Nick Swisher, Retired


Date of Birth: 11/25/1980
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
College: The Ohio State University

Nick Swisher, retired outfielder, was first drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2002. After spending a couple of seasons in the minor leagues, Swisher was called up by the Athletics in 2004 for 20 games. In his 2005 rookie season, Swisher batted .236 with 109 hits, 32 doubles, and 21 home runs in 131 games.

Oakland traded Swisher to the Chicago White Sox in January, 2008 and he struggled in the 2008 season, batting just .219 with 21 doubles and 24 home runs. In November, 2008, the White Sox traded Swisher to the New York Yankees and it proved to be a good move for both Swisher and the Yankees. His best season was in 2010 when he batted .288, with 163 hits, 33 doubles, and 29 home runs. He played primarily in right field while with the Yankees.

In November, 2012, Swisher became a free agent and he signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. In 2013, he batted .246 with 135 hits, 27 doubles, and 22 home runs in 145 games. He struggled in 2014, spending a good part of the season on the DL. He finished the season with 75 hits, 20 doubles, and a .208 batting average in 97 games.

Swisher was traded to the Atlanta Braves on August 7, 2015. Prior to being traded, he was placed on the DL with a knee injury. He finished the 2015 season with a .196 batting average and 43 hits in 30 games with the Indians and 46 games with the Braves. Defensively, he played 12 games at first base, 25 games in left field, and 3 games in right field.

The Braves released Swisher on March 28, 2016. Two weeks later, on April 14th, he signed a minor league contract with the Yankees. The Yankees kept him in the minors and on July 2, 2016, he opted out of his contract.

Swisher announced his retirement from major league baseball on February 17, 2017.

Career batting statistics for Swisher through 2016 include:

  • 1,527 games played
  • 1,338 hits
  • 307 doubles
  • 245 home runs
  • 803 RBIs
  • 1,373 strikeouts to 817 walks
  • .249 batting average

Career fielding statistics for Swisher as a right fielder through 2016 include:

  • 749 games played
  • 1,370 putouts
  • 21 errors
  • .985 fielding percentage

Career fielding statistics for Swisher at first base through 2016 include:

  • 483 games played
  • 267 assists
  • 312 double plays
  • 3,321 putouts
  • 31 errors
  • .991 fielding percentage

Charitable Work

Swisher has established Swish's Wishes, a foundation that aids children with health crises. In August, 2011, he released a children's album, "Believe," with proceeds going to Swish's Wishes. More information on the organization is available at Swish's Wishes.

Personal Life

Swisher married actress Joanna Garcia on December 11, 2010. They have one daughter.

Swisher has appeared on several TV shows, including "How I Met Your Mother" and "Better with You."

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Nick Swisher
ESPN Sports - Nick Swisher