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Adrian Devine
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Pitcher
Born: (1951-12-02)December 2, 1951
Galveston, Texas
Died: June 27, 2020(2020-06-27) (aged 68)
Dacula, Georgia
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
June 27, 1973, for the Atlanta Braves
Last appearance
July 3, 1980, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record 26–22
Earned run average 4.21
Strikeouts 194
Teams

Paul Adrian Devine (born December 2, 1951 – died June 27, 2020) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher. He played from 1973 and then from 1975 to 1980. His teams were the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. Adrian threw and batted right-handed. He mostly played as a relief pitcher, coming into games after the starting pitcher.

Adrian Devine was chosen by the Atlanta Braves in 1970. He played for their minor league teams until 1973. That year, the Braves brought him up to the major leagues. He missed most of the 1974 season because of an injury. But he came back strong the next year. He pitched well in the minor leagues. This led to him being called back up to the Braves in September. After one more season with the Braves, he was traded to the Texas Rangers. He was later traded back to the Braves after just one season. He returned to the Rangers in 1980. He played his last game on July 3 of that year.

Early Life and Baseball Start

Adrian Devine was born in Galveston, Texas, on December 2, 1951. He went to Ball High School there. After high school, the Atlanta Braves picked him. This happened in the second round of the 1970 Major League Baseball draft. This was the start of his professional baseball journey.

Adrian Devine's Professional Career

Adrian Devine made his first appearance in Major League Baseball on June 27, 1973. He was 21 years old. He started the game against the San Francisco Giants. He gave up 5 earned runs in 5 innings. His team lost the game 6–5.

Overcoming Injuries and Returning to Play

Adrian suffered an arm injury that made him miss most of the 1974 season. Doctors told him to stop playing baseball. They suggested he go back to school instead. But Adrian chose to have surgery. He wanted to try pitching again during spring training in 1975.

After his surgery, he played for the Class-AAA Richmond Braves. He had a good season in 1975. He won 10 games and lost 6. His earned run average (ERA) was 2.98 in 27 games. Because he pitched so well, the Braves called him back up. This happened during the September roster expansion that year.

Big Trades and Key Moments

Adrian Devine was part of a big trade on December 9, 1976. Five players and $200,000 went from the Braves to the Rangers. In return, the Braves got Jeff Burroughs. While playing for the Rangers, Adrian had a special day. On September 18, 1977, he saved two games in one day. This happened against the Minnesota Twins during a doubleheader. He finished seventh in the American League that year. He had 15 saves.

Adrian was traded back to the Braves on December 8, 1977. This was a very large trade. It involved four teams: the Rangers, Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Mets. A total of eleven players moved to new teams. Adrian was the winning pitcher in a special game. It was manager Bobby Cox's first win for the Atlanta Braves. This happened on April 10, 1978, against the Padres.

Adrian Devine played his last major league game on July 3, 1980. He was 28 years old. He briefly played for the Wichita Aeros the next year. This was the Rangers' Class-AAA team. He was then released by the team in June.

Later Life and Family

Adrian Devine's youngest son, Travis, also played baseball. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft. The San Diego Padres picked him. Travis played for four seasons in the minor leagues. Today, Travis owns and runs Devine Baseball. This is a baseball training academy in Buford, Georgia.

Adrian Devine faced health challenges later in his life. He passed away on June 27, 2020, at the age of 68.

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