[2] He was a freshman on the 1997 team that played in Indiana's final true state tournament and set a school record for 3-pointers in a game as a senior in 2000.

[4] Thatcher was not drafted upon graduating college, he signed with the River City Rascals of the independent Frontier League, appearing in 47 games (6-5 W/L, 10 Saves) in 2004 and 2005.

Thatcher had progressed to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds in 2007 when he was traded to the San Diego Padres, along with prospects Will Inman and Steve Garrison, for relief pitcher Scott Linebrink.

Thatcher began 2008 with the San Diego Padres, but was sent down to Portland in mid-May after posting a 6.75 ERA in 16 appearances.

Following spring training in 2009, Thatcher started the season in Portland but was called up to San Diego on May 15, 2009.

Aside from five days in June and two weeks in mid-July, he remained with the Major League club through the remainder of the year.

Thatcher had shoulder soreness in spring training in 2010 and started the season on the disabled list, but he rejoined the team in mid-April.

Thatcher's shoulder again gave him trouble in spring training of 2011, and he again began the season on the disabled list.

[7] The surgery cleaned up the labrum and the rotator cuff, and Thatcher rejoined the team in August after a rehab stint.

At the end of July, the Padres traded Thatcher with Matt Stites and a compensatory draft pick to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Ian Kennedy.

[27] On January 31, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates hired Thatcher to serve as the bullpen coach for their Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians.

[29] During the offseason, Thatcher resides in Kokomo, Indiana and enjoys playing golf on his down time.

[30] He is the son of Phil and Sara Thatcher and his father also pitched for Indiana State University while his mother was a cheerleader.

[32] The couple formed the Joe and Katie Thatcher Endowment Foundation in 2008 to benefit the Howard County, Indiana, community.