Adrian Devine – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Paul Adrian Devine built a solid seven-year career in Major League Baseball as a right-handed relief pitcher. He played his last game on July 3, 1980, at just 28 years old.

Born in Galveston, Texas, Devine split his time between the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. He finished with a 26-22 record and a 4.21 ERA over 217 games.

Devine’s career really showed his resilience and grit. He fought back from a serious arm injury in 1974, even after doctors told him to retire and go back to school. Instead, he opted for surgery and clawed his way back to the majors.

He enjoyed his best year in 1977 with the Rangers, posting an 11-6 record and 15 saves, ranking seventh in the American League for saves that season.

Let’s take a look at Devine’s journey, from his days as a second-round draft pick in 1970 to his pro debut, big moments, and the trades that shaped his career. His story gives a glimpse into the challenges faced by relief pitchers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

After baseball, he turned the page and focused on family and personal health battles.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Paul Adrian Devine was born into a baseball family in Galveston, Texas, on December 2, 1951. His standout high school performance at Ball High School caught the eye of Atlanta Braves scouts, leading them to draft him in 1970.

Family Background

Devine grew up in a family with deep baseball roots. His father, Paul “Chop” Devine, had plenty of experience in both professional and semi-pro baseball.

Chop Devine played in the West Texas-Mexico League and also spent time in semi-pro and American Legion baseball. That early exposure definitely rubbed off on Adrian.

Growing up in Galveston, Adrian lived and breathed baseball. The sport was more than just a game in his family—it was a way of life.

His father’s background probably shaped Adrian’s understanding of the game early on.

Youth and High School Baseball

Adrian went to Ball High School in Texas, where he played both baseball and basketball. At 6’4″, he was a natural athlete.

During his senior year, he helped pitch his team to a tie for the zone championship. That season, he went 9-2 with a 0.87 ERA.

He struck out 134 batters in 88 innings, which is just wild for a high school pitcher. Scouts took notice, especially Al LaMacchia from the Braves.

Draft Selection and Minor League Development

The Atlanta Braves picked Adrian Devine in the second round of the 1970 amateur draft, right after he graduated.

His first pro season in 1970 with the Magic Valley Cowboys in Idaho didn’t go smoothly. He finished 5-6 with a 5.18 ERA and struggled to adapt to pro ball.

In 1971, he showed some promise with Greenwood in the Class-A Western Carolinas League but only made 8 appearances because of arm problems.

After working with the Braves at spring training in 1972, he pitched for the AA Savannah Braves. He bounced back with 12 wins in 130 innings over 25 games, helping ease concerns about his arm and setting up his MLB debut.

Major League Baseball Debut and Career Overview

Adrian Devine made his MLB debut on June 27, 1973, with the Atlanta Braves at 21. He ended up playing seven seasons as a right-handed pitcher.

His career ran from 1973 through 1980 with both the Braves and Texas Rangers. He compiled a 26-22 record and a 4.21 ERA.

MLB Debut with Atlanta Braves

Devine broke into the majors on June 27, 1973, starting against the San Francisco Giants. It didn’t go great—he gave up five earned runs in five innings and took a 6-5 loss.

The Braves had drafted him out of Ball High School in 1970, and he spent three years in their minor league system before getting the call.

He made 24 appearances in his rookie season in 1973. Then, an arm injury sidelined him for most of 1974.

Even after doctors suggested he retire, Devine went for surgery and rehab. He came back in 1975 with the Class-AAA Richmond Braves, posting a 10-6 record and a 2.98 ERA in 27 games.

Playing for the Texas Rangers

Devine joined the Texas Rangers in December 1976 in a big five-player trade. The Braves sent Devine, Ken Henderson, Dave May, Roger Moret, Carl Morton, and $200,000 to Texas for Jeff Burroughs.

He found success with the Rangers, especially in 1977. On September 18, 1977, he pulled off a rare feat—two saves in one day against the Minnesota Twins in a doubleheader.

That year, he finished seventh in the American League with 15 saves. He became a reliable bullpen arm for Texas.

The Rangers mostly used Devine as a closer and setup man. His right-handed delivery and coolness under pressure made him a go-to guy in tight spots.

Return to the Braves and Later Years

Devine went back to Atlanta in December 1977 after the first four-team blockbuster trade in MLB history. The deal involved the Braves, Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Mets, with eleven players swapping teams.

Back with the Braves, Devine notched a memorable win on April 10, 1978. He got the win in Bobby Cox’s first victory as Braves manager, beating the San Diego Padres.

He split his final years between Atlanta and Texas. Devine returned to the Rangers for the 1980 season and played his last MLB game on July 3, 1980, at 28.

He pitched in 217 games, struck out 194, and ended with a 4.21 ERA. After retiring, he briefly joined the Wichita Aeros in 1981 before being released in June.

Pitching Profile and Career Achievements

Adrian Devine finished his seven-year career with a 26-22 record, a 4.21 ERA, and 194 strikeouts. His best season came in 1977 with the Texas Rangers, when he tallied 15 saves and went 11-6.

Pitching Style and Role

Devine stood 6’4″ and weighed 205 pounds. He pitched right-handed and mostly worked out of the bullpen, appearing in 217 games but starting just 12.

He really thrived as a closer during his peak. Devine racked up 31 saves over his career, with 15 in 1977 alone.

He always put the team first. “They’re paying me to pitch. My contract doesn’t say start or relieve, just pitch. I’ll give them one-hundred percent either way,” he told The Atlanta Constitution in 1978.

For his era, his strikeout numbers were decent. Devine averaged about 4.5 strikeouts per nine innings, showing he had solid command.

Season Highlights

1977 was Devine’s career year with Texas. He went 11-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 56 games and led the team with 15 saves.

He pitched 105.2 innings that season, striking out 67 and walking just 31. That’s pretty impressive control.

His 1976 season with Atlanta also stands out. Devine appeared in 48 games, picked up 9 saves, and posted a 3.21 ERA.

During his rookie year in 1973, he had 4 saves in 24 games. The 6.40 ERA was rough, but he showed some promise as a closer with 11 games finished.

Notable Performance Milestones

Devine’s 194 strikeouts mostly came in relief. He peaked in Texas, where his command really improved.

He carried a 4.21 ERA across 387.1 innings. His best single-season ERA was 3.21 in 1976 with Atlanta.

With 31 career saves, he made his mark—especially considering save chances were rarer back then.

Devine’s durability was clear in his 217 appearances. He averaged more than 30 games per year.

His 26-22 record shows he was effective in relief and closing roles. A .542 winning percentage is nothing to sneeze at for a reliever.

Statistical Summary and Noteworthy Records

Adrian Devine’s seven-year run produced a 26-22 record and a 4.21 ERA over 217 games. He logged 31 saves and 194 strikeouts, with a 3.1 career WAR that reflects his value for both the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers.

Win–Loss Record and ERA Analysis

Devine wrapped up his career with 26 wins and 22 losses, a .542 winning percentage. His career ERA of 4.21 put him just a bit below league average for his time.

His best year was 1977 in Texas, where he went 11-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 56 games. That was his only double-digit win season.

He struggled early on in Atlanta, posting a 6.40 ERA as a rookie in 1973. Things improved by 1976, when he notched a 3.21 ERA.

He actually pitched better in the American League, putting up a 3.84 ERA with Texas compared to 4.40 with Atlanta.

Saves and Strikeout Totals

Devine collected 31 saves in his career, with 15 coming in 1977 for Texas. He worked almost exclusively as a reliever, appearing in 92 games as a closer or setup man.

Over 387.1 innings, he struck out 194 batters. That’s about 4.5 K’s per nine innings—not overpowering, but steady.

His top strikeout season came in 1977 with 67. In 1976, he fanned 48, his next-best total.

WAR and Other Key Metrics

Devine put up 3.1 WAR during his seven seasons, showing he was a solid contributor. His best WAR came in 1976 at 1.9.

His WHIP was 1.523, which hints at some control issues. He walked 135 and struck out 194, for a 1.44 K/BB ratio.

Advanced stats give him a 3.94 FIP, a bit better than his 4.21 ERA. Maybe he just had some bad luck on balls in play.

Significant Moments and Impactful Contributions

Adrian Devine’s career included some memorable highlights that showed his value as a steady reliever. His top statistical season was 1977 with the Texas Rangers, where he notched 15 saves and went 11-6.

He also played a part in baseball history, connecting with figures like Bobby Cox.

Double Save Performance with the Rangers

Devine’s standout year came in 1977 with the Rangers. He appeared in 56 games and set career highs in several categories.

He won 11 and lost 6, posting a .647 winning percentage—his best ever.

The right-hander notched 15 saves that year, nearly half his career total. His 3.58 ERA was solid for a reliever in that era.

Devine threw 105.2 innings in 1977, a career high. He struck out 67 and walked only 31, showing much better control.

His WHIP of 1.259 that year was among his best.

The Rangers leaned on Devine almost exclusively in relief, with just 2 starts out of 56 games. He finished 33 games, proving his effectiveness in closing situations.

Connection to Bobby Cox’s First Win

Devine played for Bobby Cox when Cox first managed the Atlanta Braves. Cox led the Braves from 1978 to 1981, which matched up with Devine’s time on the team in 1978 and 1979.

In 1978, Devine pitched in 31 games for the Braves while Cox called the shots. His ERA went up to 5.92 that season, but the team still trusted him as a reliever in their bullpen.

Things got better for Devine in 1979. That year, he put up a 3.24 ERA in 40 games, which was a solid improvement from the year before.

Cox learned a lot early on by managing pitchers like Devine. The future Hall of Famer had to figure out how to handle all kinds of personalities and pitching styles back then.

Influence on Teammates and the Game

Devine became an important veteran presence as he got older. His time with both the Braves and Rangers gave him a perspective that younger players appreciated.

He could bounce between starting and relief roles, and that flexibility made him a real asset. Teams leaned on him for spot starts or whenever they needed someone to eat up innings.

His professional attitude stood out in the clubhouse. Teammates respected how he prepared and worked, and younger guys tried to follow his lead.

Devine pitched during a time when the game was changing. Closers were just starting to become more specialized, but he still handled all kinds of relief work. That versatility feels rare now.

Retirement, Personal Life, and Legacy

Adrian Devine wrapped up his career after the 1980 season. Arm troubles, which had bothered him since 1975, finally forced him to step away.

After baseball, he faced some tough health battles. He survived tongue cancer twice before passing away in 2020.

Even with all that, Devine stayed connected to the baseball world. People remembered him as a steady, reliable reliever.

Final Season and Retirement in 1980

Devine pitched his last games for the Texas Rangers in 1980. Persistent arm issues, first showing up after surgery in 1975, cut his career short.

He’d shown promise as a reliever over seven seasons. In 1977, he put together his best year, going 11-6 with 15 saves for the Rangers.

Career Statistics:

• Years Active: 1973, 1975-1980
• Teams: Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers
• Position: Relief Pitcher
• Best Season: 1977 (11-6, 15 saves)

Devine retired at just 28 because of those arm problems. The injury that ended his career was the same one that required surgery back in 1975.

Still, he managed to bounce back and have his best season two years after that setback.

Family and Life After Baseball

Paul Adrian Devine was born December 2, 1951, in Galveston, Texas. He played at Ball High School, then went on to Sam Houston State University for college baseball.

After his playing days, Devine faced some serious health scares. He beat tongue cancer twice after leaving the game.

He kept a pretty private life after baseball. Devine stayed true to his Texas roots and didn’t chase the spotlight.

His fight with cancer showed the same grit he brought to the mound. He overcame the disease twice before dealing with his final illness.

Devine died on June 27, 2020, at age 68 after a long fight with cancer. Brain cancer ultimately took his life.

Enduring Legacy and Community Involvement

Devine set a Texas Rangers record with 15 saves in 1977. He pulled this off just two years after recovering from arm surgery.

His career path between the Braves and Rangers? Honestly, it got a bit tangled. Atlanta signed him, then traded him to Texas, and he bounced back and forth between those teams through several deals.

Team History:

• Atlanta Braves: 1973, 1975-1976, 1978-1979
• Texas Rangers: 1977, 1980

The Braves picked Devine in the second round of the 1970 amateur draft. He actually went ahead of guys like Rod Gilbreath and Rowland Office, who also made it to the majors.

From 1970 to 1973, he pushed through the minor leagues. He climbed the ladder and finally made his major league debut.

Devine pitched in the majors for seven seasons. After arm surgery, he came back and had his best season, which really says a lot about his resilience.