Joseph Devine, who goes by Joey, was born on September 19, 1983 in Junction City, Kansas. He is a starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.

College
Joey attended North Carolina State University, where he set the Wolfpack record for saves with 24.

Minor Leagues
Joey was chosen by the Atlanta Braves (27th overall pick) in the first round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.

After being drafted, he spent only two months in the minor leagues, pitching with the advanced-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the AA Mississippi Braves before being called up to the major leagues on August 20.

Major Leagues

Atlanta Braves
Joey struggled in his first two games, however, and indeed, becoming the first pitcher in major league history to allow a grand slam in each of his first two games, and he was sent back down.

However, he was put on the Braves post season roster, and gave up the home run in the 18th inning of Game 4 of the 2005 National League Division Series which ended the Braves' title hopes.

In 2006, Joey continued to struggle at the major league level and was sent back to Richmond. Hewas called back up in September.

On September 22, 2007, Joey earned his first major league victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. He finished the season 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA.

On January 14, 2008, Joey was traded to the Oakland Athletics, along with minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond, for center fielder Mark Kotsay.