History of Dansby Swanson in Timeline

James Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Previously, he played for the Atlanta Braves. He was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB Draft, marking a significant point in his career trajectory. Swanson's career is characterized by his performance as a shortstop at the major league level.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1974: Last College Shortstop Drafted First Overall

In 1974, Bill Almon was drafted, being the last college shortstop drafted first overall before Dansby Swanson in 2015.

1985: Rookie Inside-the-Park Home Run

In 1985, Paul Runge was the last Brave to have his first career home run fall inside the park before Swanson in 2016.

February 11, 1994: Dansby Swanson's Birth

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 Title

In 1995, was the last time the Atlanta Braves won the World Series before Dansby Swanson won with them in 2021.

2001: Braves' Inside-the-Park Home Run

In 2001, Wes Helms was the last player to hit an inside-the-park home run for the Braves before Swanson did in 2016.

2012: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the MLB Draft, but chose not to sign, opting to play college baseball for Vanderbilt.

2012: Declined Rockies Offer

In 2012, despite being drafted by the Colorado Rockies, Dansby Swanson chose to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2013: Limited Freshman Season

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

2014: Consecutive Starts

Between 2014 and 2015, Dansby Swanson made 117 consecutive starts for Vanderbilt before missing a game due to illness.

2014: Shoulder Surgery

During the offseason in 2014, Dansby Swanson underwent shoulder surgery in preparation for his sophomore season.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Vanderbilt Commodores' starting second baseman and achieved numerous accolades, including being named the CWS Most Outstanding Player after Vanderbilt won their first national championship.

2014: Represents USA Baseball at Haarlem Baseball Week

In 2014, Dansby Swanson represented USA Baseball at Haarlem Baseball Week in the Netherlands, leading the team with a .458 batting average in his first six starts and winning a gold medal.

2014: College World Series Most Outstanding Player

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

August 13, 2015: Professional Debut

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

December 9, 2015: Traded to Atlanta Braves

On December 9, 2015, Dansby Swanson, along with Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair, was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Atlanta Braves for Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier.

2015: SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament

In 2015, Dansby Swanson had a strong showing at the SEC tournament but faced struggles in the NCAA tournament, and Vanderbilt lost to Virginia in the CWS finals.

2015: Moved to Shortstop

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was moved to shortstop for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2015: Selected First Overall in MLB Draft

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

2015: MLB Draft and Signing

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was selected first overall in the MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and signed with the team on July 17 for a $6.5 million bonus. His debut was delayed due to injury, but he made his professional debut for the Low-A Hillsboro Hops on August 13, 2015.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award

In 2015, Dansby Swanson won the Brooks Wallace Award, recognizing him as the best collegiate baseball player at the shortstop position.

August 2016: MLB Debut

In August 2016, Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut.

August 16, 2016: Called up to Atlanta

On August 16, 2016, Dansby Swanson was called up to Atlanta and made his MLB debut, recording his first two major league hits.

2017: Opening Day Roster and Demotion

In 2017, Dansby Swanson made the Braves' Opening Day roster as the only rookie but was later demoted to Triple-A due to struggles before being called back up due to an injury.

2017: Braves Opening Day Roster

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was the only Atlanta rookie named to the Braves' Opening Day roster, but he struggled and was later sent to Triple-A.

September 25, 2018: Swanson Injured, Out for Remainder of Season

On September 25, 2018, Dansby Swanson left a game against the New York Mets with wrist pain. It was revealed to be a partially torn ligament in his left hand, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.

2018: Wrist Injury

In 2018, Dansby Swanson experienced a wrist injury that placed him on the disabled list on May 4. He returned May 19, but he struggled through most of the season.

2018: Injuries Derail Season

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

2019: Bruised Heel Sidelines Swanson

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

January 10, 2020: Swanson Agrees to Contract Extension with Braves

On January 10, 2020, Dansby Swanson agreed to a one-year, $3.15 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves.

2020: Career-High Batting Average

In 2020, Dansby Swanson set a career-high with a .274 batting average, and his 49 runs scored were third in MLB.

September 30, 2021: Braves Clinch NL East

On September 30, 2021, the Braves clinched the NL East for the fourth consecutive season, with Dansby Swanson contributing significantly.

2021: World Series Title

In 2021, Dansby Swanson won a championship title in the World Series with the Braves, their first since 1995.

September 30, 2022: Swanson Hits 100th Career Home Run

On September 30, 2022, Dansby Swanson hit his 100th career home run off of New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. Swanson was also the only player in Major League Baseball to start all 162 games of the season.