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Terry Lee Pendleton (born July 16, 1960) is an American former third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, but he also spent time with the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas City Royals. After his playing career, he became a coach for the Braves. Pendleton holds the record for most World Series appearances without a championship win, alongside Rube Marquard and Fred Merkle, with 5 during his 15-year career.

Key Information

Early life

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Terry Lee Pendleton was born on July 16, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. Pendleton started his baseball career as an Eastside Little League player, and then he moved on to play second base at Channel Islands High School.[1]

College career

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Pendleton attended and played at Oxnard College from 1979 to 1980.[2][3] The 1979 Oxnard team was the school's first team, and he helped lead the Condors to a state championship berth while earning a scholarship. He transferred to Fresno State for the 1981 and 1982 seasons, and he was a key contributor to the team's fourth consecutive conference title in the 1982 season, setting a school record with 98 hits on the season.[4] He was recognized as an All-American.[4] Pendleton had his jersey retired in 2007, alongside the jerseys of Tex Clevenger and Jimy Williams.[4]

Professional career

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Draft and minor leagues

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Pendleton was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1982 amateur draft and subsequently signed with the team on June 12, 1982.[5]

Pendleton's minor league campaign began with the Johnson City Cardinals and the St. Petersburg Cardinals during the 1982 season.[6] Pendleton was moved up to class AA baseball with the Arkansas Travelers for the 1983 season.[6] He was selected to the league's all-star team.[7] Making steady progress, Pendleton was promoted to class AAA in 1984 and played for the Louisville Redbirds. After four games at second base, Pendleton became a third baseman, the position he would play the rest of his career.[6] The Cardinals were so impressed with Pendleton's development as a third baseman in Louisville that they traded their starting third baseman, Ken Oberkfell, to the Atlanta Braves and temporarily placed Andy Van Slyke at third base while Pendleton continued to gain experience.[8] However, when Van Slyke committed 7 errors in 30 games, the Cardinals promoted Pendleton to the majors, and he began his major league career as the Cards' starting third baseman.[8]

St. Louis Cardinals (1984–1990)

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Pendleton made his major league debut on July 18, 1984, against the San Francisco Giants.[5] Batting sixth in the lineup, he made an immediate impact, getting three hits in five at-bats en route to an 8–4 victory for the Cardinals.[9] In 67 games during the 1984 season, Pendleton had a .324 batting average, 20 stolen bases, and finished tied for seventh in Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award voting.[5] The 1985 season saw Pendleton remain in the starting lineup at third base. His batting average trailed off, and he only hit .240 for the season and was caught stealing 12 times; he had 17 stolen bases on the season.[5] He hit an inside-the-park grand slam off Joe Sambito when Danny Heep collided with Terry Blocker in right-centerfield in the fifth inning of an 8–2 win over the New York Mets in the second game of a doubleheader at Shea Stadium on June 9, 1985.[10] The Cardinals advanced to the 1985 World Series, and Pendleton ended up hitting the Cardinals' only triple, doing so in the Cardinals' 3–0 Game 4 win.[11] His statline for the 1986 season was only modestly better. His batting average remained low at .239 and he only hit a single home run, but he was able to steal 24 bases, hit 26 doubles, and 5 triples.[5] St. Louis management became disappointed with Pendleton after this season, but manager Whitey Herzog pointed out to them that it was his base running and fielding (he led the National League in putouts and assists) that made him vital to the team's success.[8]

Pendleton answered front office criticism in his best season to date, the 1987 season. He improved in many statistical aspects in which he was struggling, including raising his batting average to a respectable .286.[5] He was a strong contributor to the team's pennant win, placing second on the team in home runs, third in runs batted in, and tied for third in stolen bases.[8] Pendleton's fielding efforts led to his earning his first Gold Glove, the first by a Cardinal third baseman since Ken Reitz in 1975, as well as finishing tied for 17th in MVP voting.[5] Unfortunately, as the Cardinals reached the 1987 World Series to play the Minnesota Twins, Pendleton ended up sidelined for most of the series with a rib cage injury.[12] Despite this injury, Pendleton's switch-hitting ability meant that he was able to be used as a left-handed designated hitter during three of the four games the Cardinals played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. He finished the series by playing three games, getting three hits on seven at-bats as the Cardinals fell in seven games for the second time in three years.[13]

As the 1988 season began, Pendleton seemed to struggle where he had flourished. Despite racking up 80 stolen bases in his first four seasons, he only stole three bases during the whole 1988 season; in fact, he went the rest of his career without stealing more than 10.[5] Injuries also plagued him in 1988, as he missed a few weeks with a right hamstring injury and had arthroscopic surgery in mid-September, which cut his season short.[14] Despite this, Pendleton hoped to rebound for the 1989 season. Rebounding was exactly what he did, as he played in all 162 games for the only time in his career, finished ninth in hits with 162, and earned his second Gold Glove with an impressive .971 fielding percentage.[5] Despite an impressive 1989 season, Pendleton struggled during the 1990 season. His overall production declined that season, as evidenced by his .230 batting average and .277 on-base percentage,.[5] By the end of the season, he was splitting time with rookie Todd Zeile. After the season ended, Zeile appeared to be the third baseman of the future for the Cardinals, and Pendleton became a free agent.

Pendleton is one of many major league players to have an error on a baseball card. His 1985 Donruss card lists him as Jeff Pendleton.[15]

Atlanta Braves (1991–1994)

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After Pendleton was granted free agency on November 5, 1990,[5] the Atlanta Braves were undergoing a similar overhaul as they acquired a new general manager, John Schuerholz. Assuming command of a last-place team, Schuerholz went to work and recruited half of a new infield by first signing Sid Bream to a contract[16] and then inking Pendleton to a four-year, $10.2 million deal on December 3, 1990.[17] With a new team and a new contract, Pendleton had a career year during the 1991 season, leading the Braves from a sixth-place finish the year prior to a division title and pennant.[8] He had his best individual season, finishing with a .319 batting average and 187 hits, both of which led the National League.[5] He also hit a career-high 22 home runs and a career-high eight triples.[5] Despite his impressive statistics, Pendleton was not selected for the All-Star Game. He was, however, named the National League MVP, edging out Barry Bonds by only 15 points.[18] Pendleton also won the MLB Comeback Player of the Year Award because of his statistical improvements.[6] Pendleton's performance in the 1991 World Series—a rematch for him against the Twins and the third series he played in—was also impressive. He went 11 for 30, hit 2 home runs, and started at third for all 7 games.[19] In Game 7 of the series, Pendleton hit a double in the eighth inning that should have scored a run, however Lonnie Smith did not advance home, and a double play to end the inning kept the score at 0–0, leading to the Braves' eventual Game 7 defeat and Pendleton's third Game 7 World Series loss in a row.[20]

As the 1992 season rolled around, Pendleton remained in peak form. In 160 games, Pendleton batted .311, hit 21 home runs, and scored 94 runs.[5] He had 105 RBIs, which ranked second in the National League and marked the only time he passed 100 RBIs in his career. Also, he racked up 199 hits, which was good for the National League lead as well as a career-high total.[5] He also finished second in the National League in at bats with 640, earning his only bid to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Pendleton also won his third Gold Glove at third base (the first by a Braves third baseman since Clete Boyer in 1969) en route to the Braves making their second World Series appearance in a row.[5] However, despite a 6-for-25 showing by Pendleton, the Braves fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in 6 games, losing all 4 games by 1 run.[21] This marked Pendleton's fourth World Series loss in four attempts. Pendleton continued to produce extra-base hits during the 1993 season, hitting 17 home runs and 33 doubles. However, he appeared to be showing signs of slowing down; although he placed second in at bats with 633, he led the National League in outs with 490.[5] His batting average of .272 was notably lower than his previous two seasons, and his luck did not fare any better as the 1994 season rolled around. He spent part of the season on the disabled list because of spasms in his neck and back, and after only hitting .252 for the season, Pendleton opted for free agency.[8]

Florida Marlins (1995–1996)

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Pendleton was granted free agency on October 24, 1994, and he was picked up by the Florida Marlins on April 7, 1995.[5] Pendleton improved his batting average to .290, and hit 14 home runs while playing in 133 games.[5] Pendleton went on to play 111 games for the Marlins in 1996, hitting .251 with 7 home runs.[5]

Atlanta Braves (1996)

[edit]

After spending the 1995 and most of the 1996 on the Marlins, Pendleton was traded back to the injury battered Braves.[1] Right-fielder David Justice was lost for the season with a shoulder separation in May, and shortstop Jeff Blauser suffered a broken bone in his left hand, which caused him to miss some playing time.[1] Acquiring Pendleton meant Chipper Jones could play at his natural shortstop position while Pendleton played third.[1] Pendleton was traded to the Braves on August 13, 1996, for minor league prospect Roosevelt Brown.[5] He went on to play in the 1996 World Series—the fifth World Series of his career. However, he was used only in a limited role en route to a 6-game loss to the New York Yankees, leaving Pendleton 0-for-5 in his chances for a World Series ring.[8]

Cincinnati Reds (1997)

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Pendleton as the Braves' first base coach, 2011.

The Braves let Pendleton go after the 1996 season, and he signed on with the Cincinnati Reds on January 27, 1997.[5] However, he was released on July 24, 1997, after hitting .248 with one home run and two stolen bases.[22] While with the Reds, Pendleton had three stints on the disabled list, and after his release, he spent the rest of the season recovering and did not sign with another club.[8]

Kansas City Royals (1998)

[edit]

In January 1998, the Kansas City Royals were looking for veteran leadership, and on January 20, 1998, signed Pendleton to provide a veteran presence and help mentor its younger players.[8] Pendleton was used in a limited role, backing up Dean Palmer. He played 79 games in 1998, splitting time between the designated hitter position and third base.[5] After the 1998 season ended—his 15th professional season—Pendleton retired to spend more time with his family.[23]

Career statistics

[edit]

In 1893 games over 15 seasons, Pendleton posted a .270 batting average (1897-for-7032) with 851 runs, 356 doubles, 39 triples, 140 home runs, 946 RBI, 127 stolen bases, 486 bases on balls, .316 on-base percentage and .391 slugging percentage. Defensively, he recorded a .957 fielding percentage and led National League third basemen in putouts and assists five times each. In 66 postseason games, including 5 World Series, he batted .252 (58-for-230) with 26 runs, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs, 23 RBI, 2 stolen bases and 12 walks.[5]

Coaching career

[edit]

Atlanta Braves (2002–2017)

[edit]

After spending a couple years with his wife and three children, Pendleton got his first coaching job in November 2001 as the hitting coach of the Atlanta Braves.[24] Pendleton served in that role through the 2010 season. In 2006, he was on a short list of manager candidates to replace Frank Robinson as manager of the Washington Nationals; a few weeks into the process, Pendleton withdrew himself from consideration.[25][26] In 2007, Pendleton was also reportedly one of the front-runners to replace Tony La Russa as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals before La Russa ultimately decided to stay with the Cardinals.[27] He was a candidate to replace Bobby Cox when the esteemed Braves manager retired at the end of the 2010 season.[28]

When Fredi Gonzalez was announced as Braves manager after the 2010 season, Pendleton was moved from hitting coach to first base coach, where he replaced Glenn Hubbard.[29] Gonzalez was fired and replaced by Brian Snitker in May 2016, and Snitker chose Pendleton as bench coach.[30] Pendleton was replaced by Walt Weiss after the 2017 season.[31]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Terry Pendleton

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Terry Lee Pendleton (born July 16, 1960) is an American former professional baseball third baseman and coach who played fifteen seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1984 to 1998, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, and later served as a longtime coach for the Braves organization. Pendleton was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in South Central Los Angeles before moving to Oxnard at age nine, where he excelled in youth baseball. After attending Oxnard College and Fresno State University—where he batted .397 and earned All-American honors in 1982—he was selected by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1982 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with St. Louis on July 18, 1984, and over seven seasons there, he established himself as a solid defender, winning three Gold Glove Awards at third base in 1987, 1989, and 1992 while helping the team reach the World Series in 1985 and 1987. Signed with the Braves as a free agent in December 1990, Pendleton enjoyed his most productive years in Atlanta, batting .319 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs in 1991 to capture the National League Most Valuable Player Award and lead the league with 187 hits; he followed that with a .311 average and 199 hits in 1992, earning All-Star honors. Over his full career, he batted .270 with 1,897 hits, 140 home runs, 946 RBIs, and 127 stolen bases across stints with five teams, including World Series appearances with the Braves in 1991, 1992, and 1996. After retiring as a player following the 1998 season with the , Pendleton transitioned to coaching, joining the Braves as their hitting coach from 2001 to 2010 and contributing to their 2006 and 2010 playoff runs. He later served as the team's first base coach from 2011 to 2016 and bench coach from 2016 to 2017, before becoming a minor league hitting instructor in 2017 and continuing in minor league roles as of 2025. Pendleton's impact on the Braves extended to his 2018 induction into their Hall of Fame, recognizing his dual legacy as a player and coach. He has also been honored by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2020), Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame (2016), and Fresno State, which retired his jersey number 10 in 2007.

Early life and amateur career

Early years and family background

Terry Lee Pendleton was born on July 16, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, to Alfred Donahue Pendleton and Ella Elizabeth (Fuller) Pendleton. Pendleton spent his early childhood in South Central Los Angeles alongside his sister Debra until age nine, when the family relocated to Oxnard, California, in 1969. There, he attended local elementary schools in the La Colonia and Rose Park neighborhoods while adjusting to a new environment. His father, a and former semi-professional summer league player, significantly influenced Pendleton's early interest in the sport; as a teenager in 1938, Alfred had faced legendary pitcher in an exhibition game against the , where Paige struck him out with a swift sidearm delivery. Alfred often shared this story, inspiring his son despite Pendleton's initial physical disadvantages as the smallest child among his peers, which left him last-picked for pickup games. Through sheer determination, Pendleton participated in youth sports to build resilience and skills. Pendleton's introduction to organized came in Oxnard at age nine or ten via Eastside Little League, where he initially struggled as the worst player on his team, going hitless in his first season while playing right field and . Supplementing this with sandlot games and relentless practice, he quickly improved, earning all-star status the following year and developing strong defensive abilities that would later define his career at third base.

College career

Pendleton began his career at Oxnard College in 1979, joining the institution's inaugural team as the program launched that year. Despite the newness of the squad, he contributed significantly, helping the Condors achieve their first state tournament appearance. In 1980, Pendleton transferred to Fresno State University, where he played under coach Bob Bennett for the 1981 and 1982 seasons. In 1982, his senior year with the Bulldogs, he batted .397 while leading the team in hits with a school-record 98 hits, and excelled defensively. His performance was instrumental in securing two Pacific Coast Athletic Association conference titles during that span. Pendleton earned third-team All-American honors in 1982 from the American Baseball Coaches Association, along with first-team All-NCBA recognition, highlighting his leadership in the Bulldogs' successes. Following the 1982 season, the Cardinals selected Pendleton in the seventh round (179th overall) of the MLB Draft. He signed with the team for a $2,000 bonus and opted to turn professional immediately, forgoing further college eligibility. In recognition of his contributions, Fresno State retired Pendleton's number 8 jersey in 2007, honoring him alongside other Bulldog greats.

Major League Baseball career

St. Louis Cardinals (1984–1990)

Following his selection by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1982 MLB Draft, Pendleton began his professional career with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Rookie-level , where he batted .320 with 58 hits in 181 at-bats over 43 games before earning a promotion to the Class-A St. Petersburg Cardinals of the . In 1983, he advanced to the Double-A of the [Texas League](/page/Texas League), posting a .276 average with 51 hits in 185 at-bats across 48 games and earning honors before a wrist sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Pendleton reached Triple-A in 1984 with the Louisville Redbirds of the American Association, batting .297 with 98 hits, 23 doubles, and four home runs in 330 at-bats over 91 games, showcasing his versatility by transitioning primarily to third base after starting the year at second. Pendleton made his major league debut on July 18, 1984, against the San Francisco Giants at , where he went 3-for-5 with a single in his first at-bat off pitcher , an RBI, a run scored, and a walk in the Cardinals' 8-4 extra-innings victory. He appeared in 67 games that rookie season, primarily as a and occasional , batting .324 with one home run and 20 stolen bases while providing steady infield defense. In 1985, Pendleton emerged as the Cardinals' everyday , starting 145 games at the position and batting .240 with five home runs and 69 RBIs— the highest total for a Cardinals in six seasons—while contributing to the team's National League pennant win. His defensive reliability anchored the infield during St. Louis's run to the , where they lost to the in seven games; Pendleton recorded the Cardinals' only triple of the series in a 3-0 Game 4 victory and hit a bases-clearing double in Game 2 to secure a 4-2 win. Pendleton reached a personal peak offensively in 1987, batting .286 with 12 home runs and 96 RBIs over 159 games while playing a pivotal role in the Cardinals' second pennant-winning season under manager . A highlight came on September 11 against the , when his two-run, two-out home run in the ninth inning off reliever tied the score at 5-5, enabling a 6-5 walk-off victory in 10 innings that helped St. Louis clinch ; the Cardinals advanced to the but fell to the in seven games. Throughout his Cardinals tenure, Pendleton established himself as a consistent defensive , leading National League third basemen in assists with 371 in 1986 and 369 in 1987, while posting career highs of 392 assists in 1989 and 36 double plays in 1986. Over seven seasons with from 1984 to 1990, he appeared in 927 games, batting .260 with 44 home runs, and built a reputation as a gritty and reliable fielder who prioritized team success on contending squads. After becoming a following the 1990 season—in which he batted .230 with six home runs in 121 games—Pendleton signed a four-year, $10.2 million contract with the on December 3, 1990, marking the largest free-agent deal in franchise history at the time.

Atlanta Braves (1991–1994)

Pendleton signed with the as a on December 3, 1990, agreeing to a four-year, $10.2 million contract—the largest free-agent deal in team history at the time—after receiving a higher offer from the New York Yankees but choosing Atlanta for family reasons and the opportunity for a more prominent role following his consistent but supporting contributions with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1991, Pendleton experienced a breakout season at age 30, batting .319 to lead the National League, while topping the circuit with 187 hits and 303 ; he also hit 22 home runs and drove in 86 runs, earning the NL MVP award. His performance anchored the Braves' lineup during their dramatic "worst-to-first" turnaround, as the team surged from last place in 1990 to win the NL West title after a decade without a division championship, then advanced to the after defeating the in the NLCS—where Pendleton contributed steadily despite a .167 average—and lost to the in seven games, though he batted .367 with two home runs in the Fall Classic. Pendleton maintained strong production in 1992, hitting .311 with 199 hits (again leading the NL), 21 home runs, and 105 RBI, while securing his third Gold Glove with a .963 fielding percentage and 325 assists at third base; he was also named an and finished second in NL MVP voting. The Braves repeated as NL West champions and reached the once more, falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in six games, with Pendleton batting .240 in the postseason. During the 1993 season, Pendleton batted .272 with 17 home runs and 84 RBI amid emerging back issues that occasionally required assistance from younger teammates. The Braves won their third consecutive division title but were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS, where Pendleton hit .286. The 1994 season was shortened by a players' strike, limiting Pendleton to 77 games in which he batted .252 with seven home runs and 30 RBI before becoming a in October. Over his four years with , Pendleton batted .293 overall with 67 home runs, providing veteran leadership that helped foster a winning culture under manager . He notably mentored emerging talents like Chipper Jones in 1993, teaching fundamentals and professionalism; Jones later credited Pendleton as a key clubhouse mentor in his 2018 Hall of Fame induction speech.

Later teams (1995–1998)

Following his departure from the after the 1994 season, Terry Pendleton signed as a with the Marlins on April 7, 1995, marking the beginning of a phase in his career as he transitioned to a more versatile utility role at age 35. In 133 games primarily at third base, he batted .290 with 14 home runs and 78 RBI, providing a solid offensive contribution despite the Marlins' last-place finish in the . However, lingering effects from prior injuries limited his defensive range, shifting his focus toward and spot-start duties. Pendleton returned to the Braves midseason on , 1996, via a from the Marlins in exchange for minor leaguer Roosevelt , after posting a .251 in 111 games with . With , he appeared in 42 games, batting .204 with 4 home runs and 17 RBI, mainly as a bench player and pinch-hitter during the team's run to the . His overall 1996 performance across 153 games yielded a .238 , 11 home runs, and 75 RBI, reflecting a continued adjustment to reduced playing time amid age-related decline. In 1997, Pendleton signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds on January 27, seeking to leverage his experience to mentor younger infielders. Limited by injuries and diminished production, he played in just 50 games as a third baseman and designated hitter, batting .248 with 1 home run and 17 RBI before being released on July 24. The Reds finished fourth in the NL Central, and Pendleton's tenure underscored his evolving role as a veteran advisor rather than an everyday starter. Pendleton concluded his playing career with the , signing as a on January 20, 1998, and appearing in 79 games at age 38 as a pinch-hitter, , and occasional . He batted .257 with 3 home runs and 29 RBI, contributing steady leadership to a rebuilding Royals squad that ended fifth in the AL Central. After becoming a on October 23, 1998, Pendleton announced his retirement in December, stating, “It’s time for me to be home with my family. I think it’s where the good Lord wants me,” prioritizing over further opportunities. Over these four seasons, spanning 415 games across four teams, Pendleton's output waned due to age and injuries, moving him from a starting role to a reserve capacity with no postseason appearances outside his 1996 Braves stint. His veteran presence remained valuable for clubhouse guidance, though statistical contributions paled compared to his 1991-1994 peak with .

Career statistics and awards

Over his 15-season career from 1984 to 1998, Terry Pendleton accumulated 1,897 hits while batting .270 with 140 home runs and 946 runs batted in across 1,893 , establishing himself as a consistent switch-hitter who also swiped 127 bases. His advanced metrics reflected a solid, if unspectacular, overall contribution, posting a career (OPS) of .707 and a Baseball-Reference Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 13.7, with his peak performance coming in 1991 at 5.2 WAR. Pendleton's value extended beyond the plate, as he maintained a career fielding percentage of .951 at third base and led National League third basemen in assists four times (1985, 1986, 1987, and 1989). Pendleton earned significant defensive recognition with three Gold Glove Awards at third base in 1987, 1989, and 1992, highlighting his range and reliability in the infield during stints with the St. Louis Cardinals and . Offensively, his standout year of 1991 culminated in the National League Award, where he led the league with a .319 and 187 hits; he finished second in MVP voting the following year. Additional honors included a single selection in 1992, where he started for the National League. In the postseason, Pendleton appeared in five World Series (1985 and 1987 with the Cardinals, 1991, 1992, and 1996 with the Braves), batting .201 with 58 hits, three home runs, and 23 RBI over 66 games, though his teams fell short of a championship each time. Prior to his MLB debut, Pendleton played in the from 1982 to 1984, batting .294 over 202 games.
CategoryMLB Career Totals (1984–1998)
Games Played1,893
At Bats7,037
Hits1,897
.270
Home Runs140
RBI946
Stolen Bases127
.707
13.7

Post-playing career

Coaching roles with the Atlanta Braves

After retiring as a player following the 1998 season, Terry Pendleton was hired by the in November 2001 as their hitting coach, replacing after the team's NLCS loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He assumed the role for the 2002 season and held it through 2010, contributing to the development of prominent players including and during a period of sustained team success. Under Pendleton's guidance as hitting coach, the Braves captured the division title five times (2002–2005 and 2010) and advanced to the 2003 NL pennant, where they fell to the Marlins in the NL Championship Series. Pendleton's approach emphasized contact hitting, , and drawn from his playing experience, helping refine the swings and approaches of young talents amid the organization's consistent contention in the early 2000s. In 2011, Pendleton transitioned to first base coach, a position he maintained through the 2015 season and the early part of 2016, until his midseason transition to bench coach, shifting his focus to baserunning techniques and infield defensive fundamentals. During this stretch, the Braves qualified for the postseason via the 2012 Wild Card game and secured the 2013 NL East division crown, though they were eliminated in the NL Division Series both years. His work in this role supported the team's athletic development, particularly in efficiency and positional play, as navigated competitive divisional races. Pendleton's tenure continued into 2016, when he moved to bench coach on following the midseason dismissal of manager Fredi Gonzalez and the promotion of to interim (later permanent) manager. In this capacity through the 2017 season, he assisted Snitker with in-game strategic decisions during a rebuilding phase marked by roster turnover and young player integration. Over his full 16 seasons on the major league staff (2002–2017), Pendleton participated in five postseason appearances, underscoring his role in fostering a culture of competitiveness and player growth. Following the 2017 season, the Braves restructured their , and Pendleton departed after a total of 17 years of organizational service, including his initial hiring in 2001. His enduring influence extended beyond his active tenure, as players like —whom he mentored during Freeman's early career—played pivotal roles in the Braves' championship.

Subsequent baseball involvement

After departing the Atlanta Braves' major league coaching staff following the 2017 season, Pendleton transitioned to a front-office role as a special assistant to the general manager in 2018, where he concentrated on hitting instruction for players. In this capacity, he served as a hitting instructor from 2018 through at least 2025, mentoring prospects across the organization and leading instructional sessions during to develop young hitters' techniques and approach at the plate. Pendleton's extensive contributions to the Braves, spanning his playing tenure from 1991 to 1994 and 1996 alongside 17 years in coaching roles, earned him election to the Hall of Fame in December 2018, with his formal induction occurring on January 18, 2019. In 2025, Pendleton managed the Braves' prospect squad in the Spring Breakout showcase game against the Detroit Tigers on March 16, providing leadership to emerging talent in a high-profile exhibition. Later that year, he offered commentary on the MLB held in on July 15, drawing from his career experiences to discuss the event's significance and the evolution of the game. Media discussions in October 2025 highlighted Pendleton's potential as a managerial candidate, citing his development under longtime Braves manager , though no official pursuits materialized. He continued to engage with the organization through alumni activities, including appearances at the All-Star Village in May and instructional visits to farm teams in November, underscoring his ongoing ties to the Braves as of late 2025.

Personal life

Family

Pendleton married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Marquez, in 1984. She provided crucial support during his career transitions, including encouraging the family's relocation from to after he signed with the Braves ahead of the 1991 season. The couple has three children: daughters Stephanie, born in 1990, and Destiny, and son Terry Jr., born prematurely on March 27, 1992. The family settled in , following Pendleton's retirement from playing. After concluding his playing career in 1998, Pendleton retired in December of that year to spend more time with his family, taking a from through 2001 and prioritizing his role as a before accepting a coaching position with the Braves. The family endured a profound personal tragedy in early 1992 when Catherine Pendleton lost one of twin boys she was carrying , just before Terry Jr.'s birth; Pendleton later described the ordeal as "the toughest thing I’ve ever been through."

Faith and community activities

Pendleton embraced in the early 1990s amid a severe batting slump during his time with the Cardinals in 1990, the final year of his contract, when he was largely benched and facing uncertainty in his career. His longtime teammate and friend Rod Booker, a fellow member of the team's study and Baseball Chapel groups, encouraged him to trust in , prompting Pendleton to turn to for guidance and perspective on his struggles. He credited this deepening with helping him overcome both professional setbacks and personal losses, including the tragic of one twin during his wife Catherine's in early 1992, while their son Terry Jr. was born healthy later that year. In a personal essay for magazine, Pendleton detailed his journey, explaining how daily with his wife provided strength during the 1991 season, where he emerged as the National League MVP with the , viewing his earlier difficulties as temporary in contrast to God's enduring grace. He described praying for resilience amid career lows and trials, including the emotional recovery from the 1992 loss, which reinforced his reliance on spiritual trust to navigate grief and continue performing at a high level. His , particularly Catherine, served as a key pillar in this support system, joining him in and fostering a home environment centered on Christian values. Pendleton actively participated in Christian baseball ministries, such as the Baseball Chapel organization, engaging in devotional activities and studies with players to promote in . In the community, Pendleton has contributed to youth baseball initiatives through the Braves Foundation, participating in charity events that focus on expanding access to the sport for underprivileged children across Georgia and neighboring states. As a special assistant to the Braves' baseball operations, he mentors young prospects in systems, emphasizing positive development and life lessons drawn from his experiences.

References

  1. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/terry-pendleton/
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pendlte01.shtml
  3. https://www.mlb.com/player/terry-pendleton-120381
  4. https://www.mlb.com/news/terry-pendleton-hugh-duffy-make-braves-hof-c302019104
  5. https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1986-topps-terry-pendleton
  6. https://www.vcreporter.com/news/hold-on-and-fight-terry-pendleton-mlb-player-from-oxnard-offers-his-story-and-gives/article_ca855b27-32b8-5bb3-af8e-988294e20fae.html
  7. https://www.oxnardcollege.edu/news/oxnard-college-graduate-and-world-series-baseball-player-presented-statewide-distinguished
  8. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-07-14-ve-8682-story.html
  9. https://venturacountysportshalloffame.org/inductee/terry-lee-pendleton/
  10. https://fresnoahof.org/pendleton-terry/
  11. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/16470/
  12. https://www.abca.org/ABCA/ABCA/Awards/All-Americans/NCAA_Division_I/1982.aspx
  13. https://gobulldogs.com/news/2019/1/18/baseball-former-diamond-dog-terry-pendleton-inducted-into-atlanta-braves-hall-of-fame
  14. https://gobulldogs.com/sports/2020/5/29/retired-jerseys
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=pendle001ter
  16. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/12/03/Braves-sign-Pendleton-to-four-year-contract/3517660200400/
  17. https://www.mlb.com/news/terry-pendleton-braves-impact
  18. https://braveshistoryblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/30/chipper-jones-inducted-into-the-baseball-hall-of-fame-his-acceptance-speech/
  19. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/terry-pendleton
  20. https://www.mlb.com/awards/gold-glove
  21. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/awards.php?p=pendlte01
  22. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2001/11/07/pendleton-replaces-rettenmund-coach-of-braves-hitters/05c415b3-c071-4af9-91f7-235389924bd4/
  23. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Terry_Pendleton
  24. https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/terry-pendleton-ready-for-new-role-first-base-coach/K5v2QszBSWpurcNKrTtejM/
  25. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/2016_Atlanta_Braves
  26. https://www.ajc.com/blog/atlanta-braves/terry-pendleton-eddie-perez-out-braves-coaches-walt-weiss-likely/Kv1ZDNldloltzmz448IcSJ/
  27. https://www.vcccd.edu/news/oxnard-college-graduate-and-world-series-baseball-player-presented-statewide-distinguished
  28. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/774203/2019/01/18/braves-hall-of-fame-inductee-terry-pendleton-reflects-on-his-legendary-career-and-pays-it-forward/
  29. https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-prospects-minor-leagues/2023/2/17/23604656/atlanta-braves-announce-minor-league-coaching-staffs-for-the-upcoming-season
  30. https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaBravesChopLive/posts/terry-pendleton-visits-the-braves-farm-teams-as-an-instructional-coachphoto-atla/841309421742541/
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/terry-pendleton-inducted-into-braves-hof-c302909442
  32. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/former-mvp-terry-pendleton-headlines-newest-braves-hall-of-fame-inductees
  33. https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-prospects-show-promise-in-loss-at-spring-breakout
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3I8QZD0T9w
  35. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jGMnotvft4k
  36. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-baseball-hall-of-famers-former-braves-stars-softball-legends-scheduled-to-meet-fans-at-capital-one-all-star-village
  37. https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2016/12/28/14098838/hot-stove-cooking-vince-colemans-and-terry-pendletons-chicken
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1872505/2020/06/15/signing-terry-pendleton-helped-change-the-course-of-braves-baseball/
  39. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-27-sp-4532-story.html
  40. https://guideposts.org/positive-living/entertainment/sports/gods-love-pulled-terry-pendleton-out-of-a-slump/
  41. https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/how-prayer-helped-this-former-mlb-player-out-of-a-slump.html
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