Dansby Swanson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Dansby Swanson.

James Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015, he previously played for the Atlanta Braves. His career highlights include his time with the Braves and his current position with the Cubs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1974: Last College Shortstop Drafted First Overall

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

1985: Last Brave to Have First Career Inside-the-Park Home Run

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

1995: Braves Last World Series Win Before 2021

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

2001: Last Braves Inside-the-Park Home Run

In 2001, Wes Helms recorded the last inside-the-park home run for the Braves before Dansby Swanson's in 2016.

2014: Consecutive Starts

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

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Commodores' starting second baseman as a sophomore, hitting his first collegiate home run on February 28. He finished the regular SEC season with a .366 batting average and was an All-SEC First Team selection. Vanderbilt won the College World Series, and Swanson was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

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.

2015: Shift to Shortstop

In 2015, Dansby Swanson moved to shortstop for the Vanderbilt Commodores. He finished the regular season with a .347 batting average, earning All-SEC Second Team honors and being a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy. He also won the Brooks Wallace Award.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award Winner

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

2015: Drafted First Overall and Professional Debut

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks and signed for $6.5 million. On August 13, 2015, he made his professional debut with the Hillsboro Hops after recovering from a concussion sustained during a simulated game.

2015: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

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

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 a 5–3 win over the Phillies, with Dansby Swanson playing an instrumental role.