Joseph Thomas Terdoslavich (born September 9, 1988) is an American professional

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

left fielder In baseball, a left fielder, abbreviated LF, is an outfielder who plays defense in left field. Left field is the area of the outfield to the left of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound. In the numbering system ...

and

first baseman A first baseman, abbreviated 1B, is the player on a baseball or softball team who fields the area nearest first base, the first of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run. The first baseman is responsible for the majori ...

who is a free agent. He has previously played in

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...

(MLB) for the

Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...

Early life

Of Croatian descent, Joseph Thomas Terdoslavich was born in

Sarasota, Florida Sarasota () is a city in and the county seat of Sarasota County, Florida, United States. It is located in Southwest Florida, the southern end of the Tampa Bay area, and north of Fort Myers, Florida, Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, Florida, Punta Gord ...

on September 9, 1988. He and his brother Tyler were raised in a single-parent household by Joe Terdoslavich Sr. When Joey learned to walk at eight months old, his father began teaching him how to hit. Terdoslavich started using a Wiffle ball bat and tee at ten months of age and first threw a baseball at three years of age. He attended Sarasota High School in his hometown and was teammates with Eric Erickson and Mark Sobolewski. Terdoslavich's high school teams were coached by Clyde Metcalf. As a junior in 2006, Terdoslavich hit .411 with three homers, 29 RBI and set a school record with 23 doubles. That year Sarasota lost the state championship to Charles W. Flanagan High School. After the season, he was named to the second All-State team. In his senior season, Terdoslavich won a state title and hit .411 with five homers, leading his team with 32 RBI. His 2007 performance netted him a second team Louisville Slugger All-American award. ''

Baseball America ''Baseball America'' (BA) is a sports publication company that covers baseball at every level, including Major League Baseball (MLB), with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) college, high school, and inte ...

'' ranked him the 87th best prospect of the year, and he was drafted in the 35th round of the

2007 MLB draft The 2007 Major League Baseball draft, was an annual choosing of high school and college baseball players, held on June 7, 2007 and June 8, 2007. The first day session of the draft included the first 25 rounds and was scheduled to be broadcast "l ...

by the

Tampa Bay Devil Rays The Tampa Bay Rays are an American professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. They are one of two major league clubs based i ...

. Terdoslavich did not sign, choosing instead to attend the

University of Miami The University of Miami (UM, UMiami, Miami, U of M, and The U) is a private university, private research university in Coral Gables, Florida, United States. , the university enrolled 19,852 students in two colleges and ten schools across over ...

where high school teammates Erickson and Sobolewski were playing baseball, after visits to

Florida Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...

and

Central Florida Central Florida is a Regions of the United States#Florida, region of the U.S. state of Florida. Different sources give different definitions for the region, but as its name implies it is usually said to comprise the central part of the state, in ...

. In his lone freshman season with the

Miami Hurricanes baseball The Miami Hurricanes baseball team is the college baseball program that represents the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Since 1973, the program has been one of college baseball's elite with 25 College World Series appearances, winnin ...

team, Terdoslavich roomed with D.J. Swatscheno, who had pitched for the 2006 Flanagan High baseball team. He later transferred to

California State University, Long Beach California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), also known in athletics as Long Beach State University (LBSU), is a public teaching-focused institution in Long Beach, California, United States. The 322-acre campus is the second largest in the ...

, where he played for the Long Beach State Dirtbags baseball team. In 2009, he played

collegiate summer baseball Collegiate summer baseball leagues are amateur baseball leagues in the United States and Canada featuring players who have attended at least one year of college and have at least one year of athletic eligibility remaining. Generally, they operat ...

with the

Chatham Anglers The Chatham Anglers, more commonly referred to as the Chatham A's and formerly the Chatham Athletics, are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Chatham, Massachusetts. The team is a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) and plays in ...

of the

Cape Cod Baseball League The Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL or Cape League) is a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league located on Cape Cod in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. One of the nation's premier collegiate summer leagues, the league boasts over 1,000 forme ...

Professional career

Atlanta Braves

Terdoslavich was drafted by the

in the sixth round of the

2010 MLB draft The 2010 Major League Baseball draft was held on June 7–9, 2010 at the MLB Network Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. First-round selections The draft order was determined based on the 2009 MLB standings, with the worst team picking first. ;Key ...

and signed with the Braves for $125,000. He made his professional debut with the Danville Braves and also played for the Single-A Rome Braves, hitting .302 in 70 games. Terdoslavich had a successful season in 2011 for the High-A

Lynchburg Hillcats The Lynchburg Hillcats are a Minor League Baseball team in Lynchburg, Virginia that plays in the Carolina League and is the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. They were a farm team of the Atlanta Braves from 2011 to 2014, the Cincinn ...

in the Braves minor league system (he hit a

Carolina League The Carolina League is a Minor League Baseball league which has operated along the Atlantic Coast of the United States since 1945. Having been classified at various levels throughout its existence, it operated at Class A-Advanced from 1990 unti ...

record 52 doubles) and was sent to the

Surprise Saguaros The Surprise Saguaros are a baseball team that plays in the West Division of the Arizona Fall League. They play their home games in Surprise, Arizona, at Surprise Stadium. The ballpark is also the spring training facility of the Kansas City Roya ...

of the

Arizona Fall League The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is an off-season baseball league owned and operated by Major League Baseball (MLB) which operates during autumn in Arizona, United States, at six different baseball complexes. Arizona Fall League rosters are filled ...

, making the Fall League All Star team. He started the 2012 season playing with the Triple-A

Gwinnett Braves The Gwinnett Stripers are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They play their home games at Coolray Field in unincorporated Gwinnett County, Georgia (with a Lawrencevi ...

, making the jump from Single–A to Triple–A. He split the 2012 season between Gwinnett and the Double-A

Mississippi Braves The Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they were referred to locally, were a Minor League Baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson, from 2005 to 2024. They were the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and competed in ...

. Terdoslavich began playing the outfield in 2013 and started the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. He was named to the All-Star Futures Game, but did not appear in the contest, as he had been called up to the Atlanta Braves on July 4, 2013. The Braves promoted Terdoslavich to the major leagues for the first time on July 4, 2013, to replace the injured Jordan Schafer. Terdoslavich recorded a hit in his second major league at-bat, a pinch-hit single off of

Jonathan Papelbon Jonathan Robert Papelbon (; born November 23, 1980) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably for the Boston Red Sox, with whom he was an Major League Baseball Al ...

. He spent the rest of the year with Atlanta used mostly as a pinch-hitter. In 55 games (14 starts), Terdoslavich hit .215 with 4 RBI, 4 doubles and 12 walks. Terdoslavich played with the

Toros del Este Toros del Este (formerly Azucareros del Este) are a baseball team in the Dominican Winter League established in . Based in the eastern city of La Romana, the Toros have won three championship series in their history, winning the title in , , . ...

in the offseason, hitting .291 with 2 HR and a .762 OPS. In 85 games with Gwinnett, Terdoslavich hit .318 with 18 HR, 58 RBI, and a .926 OPS. He was named an

International League The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...

Postseason All-Star, as well as Gwinnett's MVP. Joey Terdoslavich

Terdoslavich began 2014 with Gwinnett for the third consecutive season. He was named the International League Batter of the Week for August 18 to 24. He was promoted to the major league team on September 1, 2014. He started the 2015 season with Gwinnett, then was reinstated in June 2015 to replace Eric Young Jr., who was designated for assignment. He hit his first major league home run on June 9, 2015, off of

San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. ...

' relief pitcher, Joaquín Benoit in the Braves' 6-5 win. He was sent back to Gwinnett on the following day, when Kelly Johnson was activated from the DL. He was recalled to the Braves on June 23, when

Freddie Freeman Frederick Charles Freeman (born September 12, 1989) is a Canadian and American professional baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Freeman made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 and played ...

was placed on the 15-day DL. Terdslavich was optioned back to Gwinnett on July 7, 2015, in order to make room on the roster for Mike Foltynewicz, who was called up for the purpose of providing extra relief help in Atlanta's bullpen. Terdoslavich was called up again on July 17, 2015, after closer Jason Grilli suffered a season-ending injury. On July 25, 2015, the Braves made a series of roster moves following the trade of Johnson and Juan Uribe to the

New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...

on the previous day. Freeman was activated from the disabled list and infielders Daniel Castro and Adonis García were called up from Gwinnett. Terdoslavich was sent down to Gwinnett in order to clear the extra roster spot. He was recalled to Atlanta on August 4, 2015, when Freeman was again placed on the DL. When Freeman returned from the disabled list on August 19, Terdoslavich was sent down to Gwinnett, where he spent the rest of the minor league 2015 season. Terdoslavich was not among the players who were called up for roster expansions in September 2015. On January 8, 2016, the Braves placed Terdoslavich on waivers to make room on the 40-man roster for Kelly Johnson, who had re-signed with the Braves.

Baltimore Orioles

Terdoslavich was claimed off waivers by the

Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...

on the same day he was cut by the Braves. The Orioles designated Terdoslavich for assignment on January 21, 2016, in order to make room on the roster for Chris Davis, who had re-signed with the team. On January 28, 2016, the Orioles outrighted Terdoslavich to their Triple A affiliate, the

Norfolk Tides The Norfolk Tides are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. They are located in Norfolk, Virginia, and are named in nautical reference to the city's loc ...

. Terdoslavich hit for a .140 batting average in his time with the Tides, and was demoted to the Double A

Bowie Baysox The Chesapeake Baysox are a Minor League Baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League. Their home ballpark is Prince George's Stadium. From 1993 to 2024, th ...

in April 2016 after prospect Trey Mancini was promoted. While playing in the Eastern League, Terdoslavich improved significantly, battling .246 with 14 home runs and 62 RBI. He became a free agent after the season on November 7.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 18, 2017, Terdoslavich signed a minor league contract with the

Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...

that included an invitation to spring training. He spent the year with the Triple-A

Indianapolis Indians The Indianapolis Indians are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and play their home games at Victory ...

, slashing .277/.356/.402 with 7 home runs and 47 RBI. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

Lancaster Barnstormers

On April 16, 2018, Terdoslavich signed with the

Lancaster Barnstormers The Lancaster Stormers (formerly known as the Lancaster Barnstormers) is an American professional baseball team based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is a member of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a "partner l ...

of the

Atlantic League of Professional Baseball The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States, and the headquarters are l ...

. In 40 games with Lancaster, Terdoslavich batted .275/.346/.442 with 6 home runs and 28 RBI.

New York Mets

On June 14, 2018, Terdoslavich signed a minor league contract with the

organization. He spent the remainder of the year with the Double-A

Binghamton Mets The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are an American Minor League Baseball team based in Binghamton, New York. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets major-league club. The Rumble Ponies play in Mi ...

, posting a .308/.368/.472 slash line in 74 games. Terdoslavich elected free agency following the season on November 2.

Lancaster Barnstormers (second stint)

On March 6, 2019, Terdoslavich re-signed with the

. In the season, he played in 125 games for the Barnstormers, logging a .294/.365/.478 slash line with 22 home runs and 75 RBI. Terdoslavich became a free agent following the season.

New York Mets (second stint)

On February 21, 2020, Terdoslavich signed a minor league contract to return to the

. In March, the remainder of spring training and the regular season was shut down until further notice as a result of the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

. Roster transactions were also temporarily frozen until the week of May 29. Terdoslavich was among several players released by the Mets organization at this time.

Chicago Dogs

On June 18, 2020, Terdoslavich signed with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association. Terdoslavich hit .296 with 15 home runs and 46 RBI in 58 games for the Dogs.

Sultanes de Monterrey

On May 12, 2021, Terdoslavich's contract was purchased by the

Sultanes de Monterrey The Sultanes de Monterrey (English: Monterrey Sultans) are a professional baseball club in the Mexican League (LMB) based in Monterrey, Mexico. Established in 1939 as Carta Blanca, the Sultanes have won ten LMB titles, most recently in 2018. Fro ...

of the

Mexican League The Mexican Baseball League (, or LMB, ) is a professional baseball league in Mexico. It is the oldest running professional sports league in the country. The league has 20 teams organized in two divisions, North and South. Teams play 114 games ...

. In 16 games for Monterrey, Terdoslavich batted .281/.438/.509 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI.

Bravos de León

On June 11, 2021, Terdoslavich was traded to the

Bravos de León The Bravos de León (English: León Braves) are a professional baseball team in the Mexican League based in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. History Cachorros de León (1979–80) Mexican League baseball in León began in 1979 when the Alijadore ...

of the

. In 39 games, he batted .306/.410/.537 with 8 home runs and 29 RBIs.

Chicago Dogs (second stint)

On August 26, 2021, Terdoslavich was loaned to the Chicago Dogs of the

American Association of Professional Baseball The American Association of Professional Baseball is an independent professional baseball league founded in 2005. It operates in the central United States and Canada, mostly in cities not served by Major League Baseball teams or their minor ...

.American Association Transactions
/ref> In 11 games he hit .277/.359/.532 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs.

Bravos de León (second stint)

On October 1, 2021, Terdoslavich's contract was returned to the

. In 90 games, he slashed .329/.424/.609 with 21 home runs and 76 RBIs. He re-signed for the 2023 season. In 21 games, Terdoslavich batted .247/.351/.395 with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.

Tigres de Quintana Roo

On May 16, 2023, Terdoslavich had his rights traded to the

Tigres de Quintana Roo The Tigres de Quintana Roo (English: Quintana Roo Tigers) are a professional baseball team in the Mexican League based in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The team is part of the Southern Division (). The team has won twelve championships to date: ...

of the

. In 30 games, he batted .223/.296/.366 with 3 home runs and 20 RBIs. Terdoslavich was waived by the Tigres on June 26.

Ottawa Titans

On July 28, 2023, Terdoslavich signed with the

Ottawa Titans The Ottawa Titans (French: ''Titans d'Ottawa''), officially ''Ottawa Titans Baseball Club'' (Club de baseball des Titans d'Ottawa), are a professional baseball team based in Ottawa. The Titans compete in the Frontier League (FL) as a member of t ...

of the

Frontier League The Frontier League (FL; French: ''Ligue Frontière'', LF) is a professional baseball league in North America composed of 18 teams – 15 in the United States and 3 in Canada. The FL is one of the eight independent baseball leagues in North Ame ...

. In 33 games for Ottawa, he batted .265/.356/.368 with 2 home runs and 16 RBI. Following the season on November 7, Terdoslavich was released by the Titans.

Personal

Terdoslavich is the nephew of former All-Star outfielder Mike Greenwell.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Terdoslavich, Joey 1988 births Living people Baseball players from Sarasota, Florida Sarasota High School alumni Major League Baseball left fielders Atlanta Braves players Long Beach State Dirtbags baseball players Chatham Anglers players Danville Braves players Rome Braves players Lynchburg Hillcats players Surprise Saguaros players Mississippi Braves players Gwinnett Braves players Toros del Este players American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic Miami Hurricanes baseball players Norfolk Tides players Bowie Baysox players Indianapolis Indians players Lancaster Barnstormers players Binghamton Rumble Ponies players Gigantes del Cibao players Tomateros de Culiacán players Chicago Dogs players Sultanes de Monterrey players Bravos de León players Tigres de Quintana Roo players American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Águilas de Mexicali players Anchorage Glacier Pilots players