Bio

Terry Lee Pendleton was born in Los Angeles, CA and began his baseball career as an Eastside Little League player. He then played second base at Channel Islands High, then moved to Oxnard College  as a successful member of the first baseball team to represent the Condors in 1979. The second baseman led the team to a conference championship and appearance in the State championship quarterfinals.

The transition from high school to community college was made easier for Terry because of the strong encouragement offered to him by his mother and father. They were at every game but also stressed the importance of his academic success in order for him to matriculate to the next level. Terry’s strong work ethic on the field and in the classroom earned him a scholarship to Fresno State. He played the 1981 and 1982 seasons with the Bulldogs, and was a key contributor to the team's fourth consecutive conference title in the 1982 season when he set a school record with 98 hits. That feat led to his recognition as an All-American. As a result, Pendleton had his jersey retired in 2007 by Fresno State.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 where he spent nine strong seasons. With little haste after his signing, Pendleton's minor league campaign began with the Johnson City Cardinals and the St. Petersburg Cardinals during the 1982 season. Pendleton impressed the organization enough to warrant being moved up to Class AA baseball with the Arkansas Travelers for the 1983 season. He was selected to the league's all star team for his performance at Arkansas. Making steady progress, Pendleton was promoted to Class AAA in 1984 and played for the Louisville Redbirds. After four games at second base, Pendleton was moved to third and became a third baseman, the position he would play the rest of his career.

Pendleton made his major league debut on July 18, 1984 against the San Francisco Giants. Batting sixth in the lineup, he made an immediate impact, going 2 for 5 en route to an 8–4 victory for the Cardinals. In 67 games during the 1984 season, Pendleton had a .324 batting average, 20 stolen bases, and finished tied for seventh in the MLB Rookie of the Year Award voting.

Pendleton became a free agent on October 24, 1994, and was picked up by the Florida Marlins on April 7, 1995. Pendleton improved his batting average to .290, and hit 14 home runs while playing in 133 games. Pendleton went on to play 111 games for the Marlins in 1996, hitting .251 with seven home runs. After spending the 1995 and most of the 1996 seasons on the Marlins, he was traded back to the Braves due to the Braves being battered by injuries.

He also spent time with the Cincinnati Reds (1997) and Kansas City Royals (1998). Pendleton retired at the conclusion of the 1998 season after enjoying a 15-year Major League playing career.

His 15 years in the Major Leagues as a player include a National League Batting Title in 1991, National League Most Valuable Player in 1991, five appearances in the World Series, one All-Star game selection, MLB Comeback Player of the Year and three Gold Glove Awards.

Presently, Terry is beginning his 15th year as a member of the Atlanta Braves coaching staff, currently as the 1st base coach, spanning his time in MLB to 30 years.

Terry continues to give back to the Oxnard College baseball program of which he is so proud. He has donated equipment ranging from baseball helmets, pitching machines, gloves, shirts, glasses, autographed gear for auctions, and more, while always asking what more he can do.