Nick Swisher is no stranger to the spotlight. After being featured as Oakland GM Billy Beane’s ideal prospect in Michael Lewis’ bestseller Moneyball, Swisher became the living embodiment of Beane’s unique management strategy, his success to be forever linked with the success Beane’s contrarian theories regarding prospect selection and the game of baseball as a whole. Not only has Swisher had to deal with the weight of these expectations throughout his career, but he had also been expected to carry the A’s otherwise meager lineup in his time with Oakland. As you can imagine, this has put a tremendous strain on Swisher throughout his entire career.
Prior to the 2008 season, after having limited success in Oakland, posting solid power numbers but a poor batting average, Swisher was dealt to Chicago, where he was expected to anchor an aging White Sox lineup. He struggled once again, posting a near MLB worst .219 batting average. Because of his struggles and inability to reach his enormous potential, he was dealt to the Yankees following the season for IF Wilson Betemit and two minor leaguers.
While the Yankees typically acquire highly-sought players that have an impressive body of work in the major leagues, like first-baseman Mark Texeira and pitcher C.C. Sabathia, they decided to take a chance on Swisher. Most players come to New York with huge expectations placed on them by the fans and the organization, but Swisher was able to come to the Yankees with a clean slate and few expectations for the first time in his career. He was brought in to be a role player and contributor in a lineup that boasts All-Stars Mark Texeira, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Even though A-Rod suffered an injury that forced him to miss the first month of the season, Swisher was still surrounded by enough good hitters that he no longer had to carry the lineup.
In this situation, Swisher has thrived. As of May 13, Swisher is hitting .265, 20 points higher than his .245 career average, and is second on the team with eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and a .392 on-base percentage. He has also become a fan favorite because of his tremendous effort, slugging ability and upbeat attitude. While it may be too early to declare his tenure with the Yankees a success, he is finally realizing the potential that Beane saw in him prior to the 2002 draft, and his numbers are only expected to get better now that Rodriguez has returned from the DL to add some support to the lineup.
Swisher is known for his success off the field as well. In the past year, he has contributed his time and money to nine different charities, through his own foundation, “Swishes Wishes.” He prides himself on his involvement in the community and views it as a key part of his identity away from the game of baseball. “Whether it’s reading a story to a child in the hospital, visiting with our injured troops, growing out my hair so a wig can be made for a woman dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy, or simply making sure I sign as many autographs as I can — well, this is what drives me. This is who I am,” he said in a statement released on his website.
Swisher brings this caring attitude and cheerful outlook onto the field. He even had a stint in the Yankees bullpen during a 15-5 loss to the Rays on April 13, in which he pitched a scoreless inning. It was his first time on the mound since high school, and while he looked out of place, he won over a lot of fans with his willingness to do whatever he had to in order to help the team. He also visibly had fun with the experience and added some entertainment and humor to an otherwise miserable game for Yankees fans. While he may not replace Mariano Rivera, his attitude, love for the game, and dedication to his team and the community are sure to keep him a fan favorite. Continuing to hit the ball won’t hurt either.
Photo: NEW YORK – MAY 4: Nick Swisher #33 of the New York Yankees bats against the Boston Red Sox on May 4, 2009, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 6-4. (Photo courtesy of Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)