History of Dansby Swanson in Timeline

James Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015, he previously played for the Atlanta Braves. He is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1974: Bill Almon Drafted First Overall

In 1974, Bill Almon was the last college shortstop before Dansby Swanson to be drafted first overall.

1985: Last Inside-the-Park Home Run for Debut

Paul Runge in 1985 was the last Brave before Swanson to have his first career home run be inside-the-park.

February 11, 1994: Dansby Swanson Born

On February 11, 1994, James Dansby Swanson was born. He is an American professional baseball shortstop.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Braves last World Series Win

The 2021 World Series title was the Braves' first since 1995.

2001: Last Inside-the-Park Home Run

Wes Helms was the last Braves player to have an inside-the-park home run in 2001 prior to Swanson.

2012: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the MLB draft but chose to play college baseball at Vanderbilt.

2012: Declines Rockies Offer

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was selected in the 38th round of the MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies but opted to play college baseball instead.

2013: Injuries Limit Freshman Season

During Vanderbilt's 2013 season, Dansby Swanson's freshman year, injuries limited him to only 11 games.

2014: 117 Consecutive Starts

Between 2014 and 2015, Dansby Swanson made 117 consecutive starts for Vanderbilt.

2014: Shoulder Surgery

During the offseason after the 2013 season, Dansby Swanson underwent shoulder surgery to prepare for his sophomore season in 2014.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Commodores' starting second baseman and he also hit his first collegiate home run in February. Swanson finished the regular SEC season with a team-leading .366 batting average.

2014: College World Series MVP

In 2014, Dansby Swanson was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player after Vanderbilt won their first national championship.

August 13, 2015: Professional Debut

On August 13, 2015, Dansby Swanson made his professional debut with the Low-A Hillsboro Hops.

December 9, 2015: Trade to Atlanta Braves

On December 9, 2015, Dansby Swanson was traded to the Atlanta Braves by the Diamondbacks.

2015: Joins Diamondbacks

In 2015, Dansby Swanson left Vanderbilt to join the Diamondbacks and start his professional baseball career.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award

In 2015, Dansby Swanson shifted back to shortstop and won the Brooks Wallace Award for the best collegiate baseball player at that position.

2015: All-SEC Second Team

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was named to the All-SEC Second Team.

2015: Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB draft.

2015: SEC Tournament Records

In 2015, while facing Missouri in the SEC tournament, Dansby Swanson's two home runs tied SEC Tournament single-game records.

August 2016: MLB Debut

In August 2016, Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut.

August 16, 2016: MLB Debut with Braves

On August 16, 2016, Dansby Swanson was called up to Atlanta and made his MLB debut with the Braves.

2017: Started dating Mallory Pugh

In 2017, Dansby Swanson began dating Mallory Pugh.

2017: Demoted to Triple-A

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was demoted to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers due to struggling performance.

2017: Braves Opening Day Roster

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was the only Atlanta rookie named to the Braves' Opening Day roster.

September 25, 2018: Wrist injury against the Mets

On September 25, 2018, Dansby Swanson left a game against the New York Mets due to wrist pain, which was later diagnosed as a partially torn ligament in his left hand, causing him to miss the rest of the regular season.

2018: Season derailed by injuries

Dansby Swanson's 2018 season was repeatedly derailed by wrist and hand injuries.

2018: Disabled List Due to Wrist Discomfort

In 2018, Dansby Swanson was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to discomfort in his left wrist, which he aggravated during a game against the New York Mets.

2019: Bruised heel injury

In 2019, Dansby Swanson missed a month of the season due to a bruised heel.

2020: Career-High Batting Average

In 2020, Dansby Swanson achieved a career-high .274 batting average, with 49 runs scored, which was third in MLB.

September 30, 2021: Braves clinch NL East

On September 30, 2021, the Braves clinched the NL East title for the fourth consecutive season, with a 5–3 victory over the Phillies. Swanson played a key role in the process, contributing with two doubles, a home run, and five RBI in the six games leading up to clinching the title.