Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nick Swisher

Discover the career path of Nick Swisher, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nick Swisher is a former MLB outfielder and first baseman. A switch hitter and left-handed thrower, he played for multiple teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves. Swisher won the 2009 World Series with the Yankees and was an All-Star in 2010. Known for his power hitting and plate discipline, he hit at least 20 home runs for nine consecutive seasons (2005-2013) and frequently reached over 75 walks.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Wrote about MLB Draft of 2002

During the 2006 season, Nick Swisher wrote a column for ESPN.com about his various baseball experiences called Sophomore Year, which included multiple articles that pertained to his early MLB playing experiences, as well as the MLB Draft of 2002.

2002: Professional debut with Vancouver Canadians

In 2002, Nick Swisher made his professional debut with the Vancouver Canadians of the Class A-Short Season Northwest League.

2002: Drafted by Oakland Athletics in first round

In 2002, the Oakland Athletics selected Nick Swisher in the first round, with the 16th overall selection, of the MLB draft.

2002: Teammates drafted in 2002

In 2005, Nick Swisher's teammate Huston Street won the American League Rookie of the Year award, while fellow 2002 Oakland draftee Joe Blanton finished seventh.

2002: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics

In the 2002 MLB draft, Nick Swisher was drafted by the Oakland Athletics.

2003: Promoted to Midland RockHounds

In June 2003, after playing for the Modesto A's, Nick Swisher received a promotion to the Midland RockHounds of the Class AA Texas League.

2003: Featured in Moneyball

Nick Swisher and the Athletics' 2002 draft are heavily featured in Michael Lewis' 2003 book "Moneyball".

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

Check it on Amazon

2004: Played for the Sacramento River Cats

During the 2004 season, Nick Swisher played for the Sacramento River Cats of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League.

2004: Made MLB debut with Athletics

In 2004, Nick Swisher made his Major League Baseball debut with the Oakland Athletics.

2005: Began hitting at least 20 home runs

From 2005 to 2013, Nick Swisher hit at least 20 home runs in each season.

2005: Played first full season with Athletics

In 2005, Nick Swisher played his first full season with the Athletics, batting .236 with 21 home runs, and finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.

2006: Compiled Career-Highs in Offense

During the 2006 regular season, Nick Swisher compiled a .254 batting average with 35 home runs and 95 RBI, both career-highs, in 157 games.

2006: Postseason Debut

Nick Swisher made his postseason debut in 2006 as the Athletics took on the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, eventually losing the ALCS to the Detroit Tigers in four games.

May 11, 2007: Signed Contract Extension with Oakland

On May 11, 2007, Nick Swisher signed a five-year, $26.75 million contract extension with Oakland that included a club option for 2012.

2007: Improved home run total from 2007

In 2008, Nick Swisher improved his home run total from 22 in 2007 to 24.

2007: Played for Athletics through 2007

Nick Swisher played for the Oakland Athletics through 2007.

January 3, 2008: Traded to Chicago White Sox

On January 3, 2008, Nick Swisher was traded to the Chicago White Sox for minor leaguers Ryan Sweeney, Gio González, and Fautino de los Santos.

November 13, 2008: Traded to New York Yankees

On November 13, 2008, Nick Swisher was traded to the New York Yankees for Wilson Betemit and minor league pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Núñez.

2008: Included in postseason roster for White Sox

Despite his career-low stats in the regular season, Nick Swisher was included in the postseason roster for the White Sox in 2008. The White Sox would eventually lose the division series against the Rays in four games.

2008: Played with Chicago White Sox

In 2008, Nick Swisher played for the Chicago White Sox.

April 9, 2009: First start as Yankee

On April 9, 2009, Nick Swisher started for the first time as a Yankee in right field against the Baltimore Orioles, going 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs.

April 13, 2009: Pitched one inning in relief

On April 13, 2009, Nick Swisher pitched one inning in relief against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing one hit and one walk, marking his first pitching appearance in the major leagues.

2009: Won World Series

In 2009, Nick Swisher hit his first postseason home run and won the World Series with the New York Yankees.

2009: Won World Series with the Yankees

In 2009, Nick Swisher won the World Series as a member of the New York Yankees.

2009: Acquired by the New York Yankees

Prior to the start of the 2009 campaign, Nick Swisher was acquired by the New York Yankees.

February 2010: Appearance on 'How I Met Your Mother'

In February 2010, Nick Swisher appeared in the episode "Perfect Week" of the TV show "How I Met Your Mother".

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2010: All-Star Final Vote and Home Run Derby

In 2010, Nick Swisher was a contestant in the All-Star Final Vote, where he lobbied with a commercial, and he also participated in the Home Run Derby, finishing the season with a .288 batting average, 29 home runs and 89 RBI.

2010: Named an All-Star

In 2010, Nick Swisher was selected as an All-Star.

2010: offensive totals dipped from career year

In 2011, although Nick Swisher's offensive totals dipped slightly from his 2010 career year, he still managed to hit .260, and was one of four Yankees with at least 20 home runs, and finished fourth on the team with 85 RBI.

August 9, 2011: Release of 'Believe' Children's Music Album

On August 9, 2011, Nick Swisher released a children's music album titled "Believe".

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2011: Guest Starring Role on 'Better with You'

In 2011, Nick Swisher guest starred as himself on two episodes of his wife's sitcom, "Better with You".

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2011: Moved down in lineup

In 2011, Nick Swisher was moved down in the lineup to allow Curtis Granderson to hit second, though he still managed to hit .260 with at least 20 home runs.

November 9, 2012: Declined Qualifying Offer from Yankees

On November 9, 2012, Nick Swisher declined a $13.3 million one-year qualifying offer from the Yankees, making him a free agent.

December 23, 2012: Agreed to contract with Cleveland Indians

On December 23, 2012, Nick Swisher agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract with the Cleveland Indians.

2012: Contract included option for 2012

On May 11, 2007, Nick Swisher signed a five-year, $26.75 million contract extension with Oakland that included a club option for 2012.

January 3, 2013: Deal with Indians became official

On January 3, 2013, Nick Swisher's four-year, $56 million contract with the Cleveland Indians became official.

2013: Last season hitting at least 20 home runs

From 2005 to 2013, Nick Swisher hit at least 20 home runs in each season.

2013: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

Prior to the 2013 season, Nick Swisher signed with the Cleveland Indians.

June 19, 2014: Hit Walk-Off Grand Slam

On June 19, 2014, Nick Swisher hit a walk-off grand slam against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, giving the Indians a 5-3 win in 10 innings.

August 7, 2015: Trade to the Atlanta Braves

On August 7, 2015, the Cleveland Indians traded Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, along with cash considerations, to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Chris Johnson.

March 28, 2016: Release from the Braves

On March 28, 2016, the Atlanta Braves released Nick Swisher, despite owing him $15 million for the 2016 season.

April 14, 2016: Return to the Yankees

On April 14, 2016, Nick Swisher signed a minor league contract to return to the New York Yankees and was assigned to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.