Nick Swisher
Encyclopedia
Nicholas Thompson "Nick" Swisher (born November 25, 1980) is an outfielder
for the New York Yankees
. Swisher is a switch hitter
who throws left-handed
.
He is the son of former major league catcher
Steve Swisher
, who played for various National League
baseball clubs in the 1970s and 1980s. Swisher was born in Columbus, Ohio
, but grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia
. Prior to his career in the Major Leagues, Swisher played his collegiate ball for the Ohio State Buckeyes
.
, a former major leaguer of German descent, and an Italian mother Rebecca. Swisher's parents divorced when he was 11 years old. He then went to live with his grandparents, who cared for him throughout his teenage years. He has said many times that his grandmother was the closest person to him and because of her, he has a great life and career in baseball. Swisher honors his grandparents, who have passed away, by looking up at the sky before every single pitch.
Swisher was a two-sport star at Parkersburg High School
in football
and baseball
as well as a letterman in basketball. As a strong safety he was recruited by several Division I-A colleges, including Notre Dame
, but chose to pursue baseball. Because he was not selected in the Major League Baseball Draft out of high school, he went to college and signed with Ohio State University, as that school and Ohio University
were the only colleges to recruit him for baseball. He was named Big 10
Freshman of the Year in 2000, after hitting .299 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. He was an All-Big 10 selection at first base as a sophomore in 2001, after hitting .322 with 56 RBIs and a league-leading 15 home runs. He earned All-Big 10 honors in the outfield in 2002, after batting .348 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. Swisher was selected by the A's with the Boston Red Sox
first round pick in as compensation for the loss of free agent
Johnny Damon
.
Swisher, and the A's 2002 draft
, are heavily featured in Michael Lewis'
2003 book Moneyball
. In a book whose key theme is the gulf between orthodox baseball thinking and the new sabermetric
influenced system being implemented by Billy Beane
, Swisher was notable as one of the few examples of a player who traditional scouts and Beane could agree upon.
, Modesto A's
, Midland RockHounds
, and Sacramento River Cats
--all Oakland farm teams.
In 2005, he led the minor leagues with 102 walks.
Rookie of the Year voting. His teammates Huston Street
and Joe Blanton
finished 1st and 7th, respectively.
Following his rookie season, Swisher improved in most offensive categories. During the regular season, Swisher compiled a .254 batting average with 35 home runs. He also improved his on base percentage
by raising it to .372, as well as boosting his slugging percentage to .493. Swisher finished second for the team in on base plus slugging behind the veteran slugger Frank Thomas
. Swisher spent about half of his playing time in left field, and the other half at first base. The Oakland A's lacked both Dan Johnson and Erubiel Durazo
for a large portion of the 2006 season, leaving room for Swisher to move back into his preferred position on a temporary basis.
During the season, Swisher had a column for ESPN.com
about his various baseball experiences called Sophomore Year. This included multiple articles that pertained to his early MLB playing experiences, as well as the MLB Draft of 2002.
Swisher has also exemplified a good amount of durability in contrast to his teammates who have spent a large portion of time on the disabled list
.
On September 16, Swisher initiated a brawl when he charged the mound after getting hit by a pitch from Texas Rangers
pitcher Vicente Padilla
. Earlier in the plate appearance, Padilla (who had hit Swisher the prior year) threw two inside pitches with the apparent intention of hitting Swisher. Both players were ejected following the brawl.
for minor leaguers Ryan Sweeney
, Gio Gonzalez
, and Fautino De Los Santos
as part of what Athletics general manager Billy Beane
termed a "rebuilding effort". While Swisher quickly established himself as a fan favorite on his new team he struggled offensively, batting just .219 through the season (the lowest batting average in the majors), though he improved his home run total from 22 in 2007 to 24 in 2008. He also led the majors in pitches per plate appearance, with 4.51. Because of his poor offensive play White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen
benched Swisher for most of September, saying publicly that "I have to put the best lineup out there to win the game ... To me, the best lineup right now is without (Swisher)."
were traded to the New York Yankees
for utility man Wilson Betemit
and minor league pitchers Jeffrey Marquez
and Jhonny Núñez
. Swisher was acquired to be the Yankees starting first baseman. However, the Yankees signed Mark Teixiera later in the offseason, who took the starting role. At the end of spring training, manager Joe Girardi
announced that Xavier Nady
would be starting in right field while Swisher would be a bench player. Due to the perceived logjam, many teams reportedly pursued Swisher, but the Yankees opted to keep him as a reserve outfielder and first baseman.
On April 9, 2009 against the Baltimore Orioles
, Swisher was started for the first time as a Yankee in right field, replacing Xavier Nady
who was playing DH to give Hideki Matsui
a rest. Swisher capitalized on this opportunity and had a great game, going 3 for 5 with a home run and tying his career high of five RBIs. Just five days later, Nady suffered a season ending elbow injury – allowing Swisher to become the regular starter for the Yankees in right field.
On April 13, 2009, in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays
, Swisher pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit and one walk before retiring the next three batters in a row, including a strikeout against Gabe Kapler
in his first pitching appearance in the major leagues. He was the first Yankee position player to pitch since Wade Boggs
in 1997
and the first Yankee to homer and pitch in the same game since Lindy McDaniel
did it in Detroit on September 28, 1972
.
Due to a .128 batting average in the 2009 postseason, Swisher worked with hitting coach Kevin Long
to reinvent his swing for the 2010 season. Swisher was a contestant in the 2010 All-Star Final Vote
from July 4 to July 8. Swisher lobbied for the post with a promotion commercial of him with a surf board to indicate that he would be surfing in Southern California since the game was to be hosted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
. In what was to that date the closest vote in Final Vote history, he won the final place on the AL roster ahead of Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis
. Additionally, Swisher participated in the Home Run Derby. Swisher finished the season with a career-high .288 batting average and 29 home runs.
During the Bleacher Creatures
' roll call at the top of the first inning, Swisher is known to come to attention and salute the bleachers.
, played 509 games in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs
(1974–77), St. Louis Cardinals
(1978–80), and San Diego Padres
(1981–82). He was a .216 lifetime hitter with 20 home runs and 124 RBIs. His father was also a first round draft pick, as he was selected by the Chicago White Sox
with the 21st selection of the 1973 draft
.
Swisher was very close to his paternal grandmother, Betty Lorraine Swisher, who raised him after his parents' divorce and died from brain cancer in 2005; he has her initials tattooed on his chest surrounded by angel's wings and a halo. To honor her further, he let his hair grow for eleven months and donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths
, a program that creates free wigs for cancer patients. On May 19, 2007, he cut his hair with assistance from his father. His website, nickswisher.net, is also dedicated to his grandmother. He is well known for touching his lips and pointing to the sky in her honor after he gets a hit as well as inking her initials on the bottom of his bats' knobs and kissing the letters when he comes to home plate. Also, while at bat, he looks into the sky before every pitch he receives in tribute to his grandparents. After his grandfather Don died in November 2008, Swisher began adding his initials to his bats as well. When Nick is up at bat, he looks up to the sky to honor his parents and grandparents. He is known by his loyal fans as the "Swish Dog". He later stated that he planned on getting another tattoo on his back in the same style as his existing one after the 2009 season to honor his grandfather.
In August 2009, People
reported that Swisher was dating actress Joanna García
. Swish and García became engaged in May 2010, and married on December 11, 2010 at the Breakers Hotel & Resort in Palm Beach, Florida
.
In 2011 Swisher guest starred as himself on two episodes of his wife Joanna Garcia's sitcom Better with You. The first episode aired February 16 and the second aired February 23.
He also appeared on the February 1, 2010 episode
of How I Met Your Mother
.
Swisher is releasing a kids music album titled "Believe" on August 9, 2011. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to "Swish's Wishes", a charity started by Swisher for children who are facing health crises. The twelve song album features guest appearances from former New York Yankees
outfielder Bernie Williams
and current San Francisco Giants
pitcher Barry Zito
. All of the songs recorded on the album are cover songs
that were selected by Swisher.
The album peaked at #3 on the chart of iTunes Children's Albums.
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
for the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Swisher is a switch hitter
Switch hitter
In baseball, a switch-hitter is a player who bats both right-handed and left-handed.-Baseball:Usually, right-handed batters hit better against left-handed pitchers and vice-versa. Most curveballs break away from batters hitting from the same side as the opposing pitcher. Such pitches are often...
who throws left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
.
He is the son of former major league catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Steve Swisher
Steve Swisher
Steven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
, who played for various National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
baseball clubs in the 1970s and 1980s. Swisher was born in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, but grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia
Parkersburg, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 33,099 people, 14,467 households, and 8,767 families residing in the city. In 2006 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Parkersburg's population had decreased 4.4% to 31,755. The population density was 2,800.5 people per square mile . There were 16,100 housing...
. Prior to his career in the Major Leagues, Swisher played his collegiate ball for the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of The Ohio State University, named after the state tree, the Buckeye. The Buckeyes participate in the NCAA's Division I in all sports and the Big Ten Conference in most sports...
.
Early life and career
Nick Swisher is the son of Steve SwisherSteve Swisher
Steven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
, a former major leaguer of German descent, and an Italian mother Rebecca. Swisher's parents divorced when he was 11 years old. He then went to live with his grandparents, who cared for him throughout his teenage years. He has said many times that his grandmother was the closest person to him and because of her, he has a great life and career in baseball. Swisher honors his grandparents, who have passed away, by looking up at the sky before every single pitch.
Swisher was a two-sport star at Parkersburg High School
Parkersburg High School
Parkersburg High School is a secondary school located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, United States, that serves grades nine through twelve and is part of the Wood County School District...
in football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
and baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
as well as a letterman in basketball. As a strong safety he was recruited by several Division I-A colleges, including Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
, but chose to pursue baseball. Because he was not selected in the Major League Baseball Draft out of high school, he went to college and signed with Ohio State University, as that school and Ohio University
Ohio University
Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
were the only colleges to recruit him for baseball. He was named Big 10
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
Freshman of the Year in 2000, after hitting .299 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. He was an All-Big 10 selection at first base as a sophomore in 2001, after hitting .322 with 56 RBIs and a league-leading 15 home runs. He earned All-Big 10 honors in the outfield in 2002, after batting .348 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. Swisher was selected by the A's with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
first round pick in as compensation for the loss of free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
.
Swisher, and the A's 2002 draft
2002 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 4 and 5.This year's draft is featured in Michael Lewis' 2003 book Moneyball.-First Round Selections:-Supplemental First Round Compensation Selections:...
, are heavily featured in Michael Lewis'
Michael Lewis (author)
Michael Lewis is an American non-fiction author and financial journalist. His bestselling books include The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, Liar's Poker, The New New Thing, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, Panic and Home Game: An...
2003 book Moneyball
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game is a book by Michael Lewis, published in 2003, about the Oakland Athletics baseball team and its general manager Billy Beane. Its focus is the team's modernized, analytical, sabermetric approach to assembling a competitive baseball team, despite...
. In a book whose key theme is the gulf between orthodox baseball thinking and the new sabermetric
Sabermetrics
Sabermetrics is the specialized analysis of baseball through objective, empirical evidence, specifically baseball statistics that measure in-game activity. The term is derived from the acronym SABR, which stands for the Society for American Baseball Research...
influenced system being implemented by Billy Beane
Billy Beane
William Lamar "Billy" Beane III is a former Major League Baseball player and the current general manager and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics...
, Swisher was notable as one of the few examples of a player who traditional scouts and Beane could agree upon.
Minor league career
Prior to moving up to the big leagues, Swisher played for the Visalia Oaks, Vancouver CanadiansVancouver Canadians
The Vancouver Canadians are a minor league baseball team located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canadians are the Northwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The C's have previously affiliated with the Oakland Athletics between 2000-2010. They are the only Canadian team in the...
, Modesto A's
Modesto Nuts
The Modesto Nuts are a minor league baseball team in Modesto, California, USA. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the California League and a farm team of the Colorado Rockies. The Modesto Nuts play home games at John Thurman Field. Opened in 1955 and renovated in 1997, the park seats 4,000 fans...
, Midland RockHounds
Midland RockHounds
The Midland RockHounds are a minor league baseball team based in Midland, Texas, USA. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics major league club. The RockHounds play in Citibank Ballpark, located in Midland. Opened in 2002, the stadium seats...
, and Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento River Cats
The Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
--all Oakland farm teams.
In 2005, he led the minor leagues with 102 walks.
Oakland Athletics (2004–2007)
Swisher played in only 20 games during the 2004 season, and consequently was still considered to be in his rookie year in . He finished 6th in the American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Rookie of the Year voting. His teammates Huston Street
Huston Street
Huston Lowell Street is an American baseball relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. His father is former University of Texas quarterback James Street, and his brother Juston Street is currently a pitcher for the minor league Vancouver Canadians....
and Joe Blanton
Joe Blanton
Joseph Matthew Blanton is a starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.-College career:...
finished 1st and 7th, respectively.
Following his rookie season, Swisher improved in most offensive categories. During the regular season, Swisher compiled a .254 batting average with 35 home runs. He also improved his on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
by raising it to .372, as well as boosting his slugging percentage to .493. Swisher finished second for the team in on base plus slugging behind the veteran slugger Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas (AL baseball player)
Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. , nicknamed "The Big Hurt", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman....
. Swisher spent about half of his playing time in left field, and the other half at first base. The Oakland A's lacked both Dan Johnson and Erubiel Durazo
Erubiel Durazo
Erubiel Durazo Cárdenas is a Mexican baseball player. Durazo played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball.-Major league career:...
for a large portion of the 2006 season, leaving room for Swisher to move back into his preferred position on a temporary basis.
During the season, Swisher had a column for ESPN.com
ESPN.com
ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
about his various baseball experiences called Sophomore Year. This included multiple articles that pertained to his early MLB playing experiences, as well as the MLB Draft of 2002.
Swisher has also exemplified a good amount of durability in contrast to his teammates who have spent a large portion of time on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
.
On September 16, Swisher initiated a brawl when he charged the mound after getting hit by a pitch from Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
pitcher Vicente Padilla
Vicente Padilla
Vicente de la Cruz Padilla is a Major League Baseball pitcher, who is a free agent. Padilla previously pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers...
. Earlier in the plate appearance, Padilla (who had hit Swisher the prior year) threw two inside pitches with the apparent intention of hitting Swisher. Both players were ejected following the brawl.
Chicago White Sox (2008)
Swisher was traded on January 3, to the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
for minor leaguers Ryan Sweeney
Ryan Sweeney
Ryan Joseph Sweeney is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:...
, Gio Gonzalez
Gio Gonzalez
Giovany A. Gonzalez is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:...
, and Fautino De Los Santos
Fautino De Los Santos
Fautino De Los Santos is a 6'0", 205 lb, Dominican Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Chicago White Sox :...
as part of what Athletics general manager Billy Beane
Billy Beane
William Lamar "Billy" Beane III is a former Major League Baseball player and the current general manager and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics...
termed a "rebuilding effort". While Swisher quickly established himself as a fan favorite on his new team he struggled offensively, batting just .219 through the season (the lowest batting average in the majors), though he improved his home run total from 22 in 2007 to 24 in 2008. He also led the majors in pitches per plate appearance, with 4.51. Because of his poor offensive play White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen
Ozzie Guillén
Oswaldo José "Ozzie" Guillén Barrios is a Venezuelan-American former Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Miami Marlins. He managed the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2011 before asking for his release at the end of the 2011 season....
benched Swisher for most of September, saying publicly that "I have to put the best lineup out there to win the game ... To me, the best lineup right now is without (Swisher)."
New York Yankees (2009–present)
On November 13, 2008, Swisher and minor league pitcher Kanekoa TexeiraKanekoa Texeira
Kanekoa Jacob Texeira is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees organization of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:...
were traded to the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for utility man Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
and minor league pitchers Jeffrey Marquez
Jeffrey Marquez
Jeffrey Joseph Marquez is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.-New York Yankees:...
and Jhonny Núñez
Jhonny Núñez
Jhonny J. Núñez is a right-handed relief pitcher in professional baseball.-Career:Núñez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in...
. Swisher was acquired to be the Yankees starting first baseman. However, the Yankees signed Mark Teixiera later in the offseason, who took the starting role. At the end of spring training, manager Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi
Joseph Elliott Girardi is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the New York Yankees. During a 15-year playing career, he played from 1989–2003 for the Chicago Cubs, the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals...
announced that Xavier Nady
Xavier Nady
Xavier Clifford Nady VI is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman, who is a free agent.-Amateur career:The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted Nady in the 4th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft after he was named Northern California Player of the Year in his senior...
would be starting in right field while Swisher would be a bench player. Due to the perceived logjam, many teams reportedly pursued Swisher, but the Yankees opted to keep him as a reserve outfielder and first baseman.
On April 9, 2009 against the Baltimore Orioles
2009 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles' 2009 season was the 109th season in franchise history. The Orioles finished the season last in the AL East with a record of 64-98. It was the fifth consecutive season in which the Orioles had fewer wins than in previous year....
, Swisher was started for the first time as a Yankee in right field, replacing Xavier Nady
Xavier Nady
Xavier Clifford Nady VI is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman, who is a free agent.-Amateur career:The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted Nady in the 4th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft after he was named Northern California Player of the Year in his senior...
who was playing DH to give Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
a rest. Swisher capitalized on this opportunity and had a great game, going 3 for 5 with a home run and tying his career high of five RBIs. Just five days later, Nady suffered a season ending elbow injury – allowing Swisher to become the regular starter for the Yankees in right field.
On April 13, 2009, in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays
2009 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2009 season was their 12th season of baseball on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The team attempted to defend their American League Championship they won in the previous season. Although they missed the playoffs, they still finished with a winning record – only the second in...
, Swisher pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit and one walk before retiring the next three batters in a row, including a strikeout against Gabe Kapler
Gabe Kapler
Gabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
in his first pitching appearance in the major leagues. He was the first Yankee position player to pitch since Wade Boggs
Wade Boggs
Wade Anthony Boggs is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He spent his 18-year baseball career primarily with the Boston Red Sox, but also played for the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays...
in 1997
1997 Major League Baseball season
*American League Championship Series MVP: Marquis Grissom**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Liván Hernández**National League Division Series...
and the first Yankee to homer and pitch in the same game since Lindy McDaniel
Lindy McDaniel
Lyndall Dale McDaniel, known as Lindy is a right-handed former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who had a 21-year career from 1955 to 1975. During McDaniel's career he witnessed approximately 3,500 major league games , had more than 300 teammates, and played under eight different managers...
did it in Detroit on September 28, 1972
1972 Major League Baseball season
The 1972 Major League Baseball season was the first to have games cancelled by a player strike. It was also the last season in which American League pitchers would hit for themselves on a regular basis; the designated hitter rule would go into effect the following season.-Labor strife and more...
.
Due to a .128 batting average in the 2009 postseason, Swisher worked with hitting coach Kevin Long
Kevin Long
Kevin Long may refer to:* Kevin Long , American professional skateboarder*Kevin Long , American footballer...
to reinvent his swing for the 2010 season. Swisher was a contestant in the 2010 All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...
from July 4 to July 8. Swisher lobbied for the post with a promotion commercial of him with a surf board to indicate that he would be surfing in Southern California since the game was to be hosted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. In what was to that date the closest vote in Final Vote history, he won the final place on the AL roster ahead of Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis
Kevin Youkilis
Kevin Edmund Youkilis , also known as "Youk" , is an American professional baseball player with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
. Additionally, Swisher participated in the Home Run Derby. Swisher finished the season with a career-high .288 batting average and 29 home runs.
During the Bleacher Creatures
Bleacher Creatures
The Bleacher Creatures are a group of fans of the New York Yankees who are known for their strict allegiance to the team and their merciless attitude to opposing fans...
' roll call at the top of the first inning, Swisher is known to come to attention and salute the bleachers.
Personal life
Swisher's father, Steve SwisherSteve Swisher
Steven Eugene Swisher is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres from 1974 to 1982. Swisher was elected to the 1976 National League All-Star team with the Cubs but did not play in the game...
, played 509 games in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
(1974–77), St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
(1978–80), and San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
(1981–82). He was a .216 lifetime hitter with 20 home runs and 124 RBIs. His father was also a first round draft pick, as he was selected by the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
with the 21st selection of the 1973 draft
1973 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1973 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :Four dominating players of the late 70s and 80s were selected in the June regular phase...
.
Swisher was very close to his paternal grandmother, Betty Lorraine Swisher, who raised him after his parents' divorce and died from brain cancer in 2005; he has her initials tattooed on his chest surrounded by angel's wings and a halo. To honor her further, he let his hair grow for eleven months and donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths
Pantene Beautiful Lengths
Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a charity campaign that allows individuals to donate hair for women who have lost their own due to cancer treatment...
, a program that creates free wigs for cancer patients. On May 19, 2007, he cut his hair with assistance from his father. His website, nickswisher.net, is also dedicated to his grandmother. He is well known for touching his lips and pointing to the sky in her honor after he gets a hit as well as inking her initials on the bottom of his bats' knobs and kissing the letters when he comes to home plate. Also, while at bat, he looks into the sky before every pitch he receives in tribute to his grandparents. After his grandfather Don died in November 2008, Swisher began adding his initials to his bats as well. When Nick is up at bat, he looks up to the sky to honor his parents and grandparents. He is known by his loyal fans as the "Swish Dog". He later stated that he planned on getting another tattoo on his back in the same style as his existing one after the 2009 season to honor his grandfather.
In August 2009, People
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
reported that Swisher was dating actress Joanna García
Joanna García
Joanna Leanna García is an American television and film actress. She is known for her portrayal of Cheyenne Hart Montgomery on The CW sitcom Reba...
. Swish and García became engaged in May 2010, and married on December 11, 2010 at the Breakers Hotel & Resort in Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach, Florida
The Town of Palm Beach is an incorporated town in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The Intracoastal Waterway separates it from the neighboring cities of West Palm Beach and Lake Worth...
.
In 2011 Swisher guest starred as himself on two episodes of his wife Joanna Garcia's sitcom Better with You. The first episode aired February 16 and the second aired February 23.
He also appeared on the February 1, 2010 episode
Perfect Week
"Perfect Week" is the fourteenth episode of the fifth season of the CBS situation comedy How I Met Your Mother and 102nd episode overall. It originally aired on February 1, 2010.- Plot :...
of How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays.As a framing device, the main character, Ted Mosby with narration by Bob Saget, in the year 2030 recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting...
.
Swisher is releasing a kids music album titled "Believe" on August 9, 2011. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to "Swish's Wishes", a charity started by Swisher for children who are facing health crises. The twelve song album features guest appearances from former New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
outfielder Bernie Williams
Bernie Williams
Bernabé Williams Figueroa Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Puerto Rican musician.-Early life:...
and current San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
pitcher Barry Zito
Barry Zito
Barry Zito is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. He previously played seven seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he won the 2002 American League Cy Young Award and made three All-Star teams....
. All of the songs recorded on the album are cover songs
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
that were selected by Swisher.
The album peaked at #3 on the chart of iTunes Children's Albums.
See also
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
- Moneyball by Michael LewisMichael Lewis (author)Michael Lewis is an American non-fiction author and financial journalist. His bestselling books include The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, Liar's Poker, The New New Thing, Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, Panic and Home Game: An...