José Alvarez, is a long-time resident of Greenville and a former Major League pitcher best known for his four seasons with the Atlanta Braves.

Drafted in the eighth round of the 1978 MLB Draft, Alvarez debuted in the big leagues in 1981 and returned in 1982. He battled through five seasons in the minor leagues, including going 11-5 for the 1986 Greenville Braves before returning to the majors in 1988 at the age of 32. He finished the 1988 season with a 2.99 ERA over 102 innings pitched and was named as the Braves Most Outstanding Pitcher that year. He followed it up with a strong 1989 campaign, going 3–3 with a 2.86 ERA over 30 relief appearances.

Alvarez is a graduate of Hillsborough High School and Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.

He continued his playing career at the University of Louisiana, where he pitched for the Ragin’ Cajuns in 1977 and 1978 and led the team in ERA and strikeouts during both seasons.

Alvarez set school records for complete games (12) and shutouts (8) and threw a collegiate no-hitter. He was named the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year in 1978.

Over the course of his career, he earned a place in multiple halls of fame—including the Clarinda A’s Hall of Fame (1998), Hillsborough High School Hall of Fame (2008), and Ragin’ Cajuns Hall of Fame (2019).

After baseball, José Alvarez continued making an impact far beyond the diamond. He and his wife have spoken at FamilyLife marriage conferences nationwide while raising three children and enjoying four grandchildren. Alvarez has invested deeply in his community, coaching youth and high school baseball and mentoring young athletes.

From 2007 to 2022, Alvarez served as chaplain for the players, caddies, and families on the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour. Today he serves with Links Players International using the game of golf as a platform to help other grow in their faith. His life reflects perseverance, faith, integrity, and a continued commitment to developing both athletes and people.