2008 Season's Journal
I may have said it once but I’ll say it again, thanks for coming to my site. Your support really means a lot to me. That may sound like a cliché out of an after school special but I truly mean it. The love I get from the fans is fuel. I play the game because I love it but I strive to get better so that I can put on the best show possible whenever I’m out on the field and never leave any doubt that I busted my hump when I had the chance. Of course, I also love to win but you dig that too, right?
I’m happy that you’re along for the ride and have an interest in following my season and my career. My goal to you is to check in as often as I can and give you some glimpses of life on the road. It may come in the form of a camera phone picture or a written entry. Either way, the plan is to share in the highlights of our season but also give you some scoop if I’m slumping or the team has hit a rough patch. But you won’t let me slump though, will you? Of course not.
Check back in regularly for updates for “Nick Swisher’s Thoughts from the Field”. Or if you have a good story or sighting from the field, email us at fans@nickswisher.net.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2008
It's September and there is just one thing on our mind....WINNING! You've heard me say it from day 1 -- there is NO QUIT in this team. And every game it's a different hero....that's what a team is and that's how you win. And we are determined to bring a World Championship in 2008 to the South Side of Chicago!
Well, since my home runs have picked up a bit so has our money for the home run challenge that we launched the first of the season. To date we've raised nearly $35K for Swish's Wishes from folks teaming with me on every home run I hit. Also, we've raised a good amount for Swish's Wishes from the sale of the Dirty 30 T-shirt that sold out in record time. We have a new idea in the works for post season play so keep checking back.
I am proud with what we're doing with Swish's Wishes and we're just one year old. I'm not sure if I told you but we set up five special Swish's Wishes Day at the ballpark. We invite different groups of kids to the game and I get to meet with them on the field during BP. It's really great! The kids wear their Swish's Wishes T-Shirt and also receive a cool gift bag along with free "Comiskey Cash" so they can buy a hot dog and a soda. To date we've hosted children with cancer, heart issues, autism, physical challenges and I'm working on my last group for September.
You know, it's really true that when we give of ourselves...we get the biggest gift of all. So, I have a challenge. For this month of September, tap into what lights you up and volunteer to help somewhere. Maybe it's going through your closest and taking old clothes to a shelter. Maybe you love animals and offer to help a small shelter in need. Sign up to read stories to kids in the hospital..... Maybe you're great with computers --why not go down to a senior center and teach folks how to use one. We all have gifts to give within ourselves to give..... Let me hear from you.
-Swish
AUGUST 2, 2008
Welcome August! What an exciting few days it’s been with Ken Griffey Jr. joining us! As a kid from Ohio, you know I had his posters all over the walls of my bedroom. He’s such a great player and certain to be elected to the Hall of Fame. I remember that his Dad wore number 30 when he played for the Reds and for a while JR did too. So, to welcome him, I offered up my uniform #30…. Now…I know a few of you got a bit concerned with all your Dirty 30 stuff and the new official Dirty 30 t-shirt ….but relax folks… it’s just a number….anyway, JR decided to wear #17… What a class guy! I do want to say how much I’ll miss Nick Masset and I hope this will be a great opportunity for him in Cincy. I do know what it feels like to be traded.
We’ll be home in a few days and August 10 is bobble head night featuring yours truly…that’s right….goatee and pointing fingers to the sky. You've got to see this one -- so if you're in Chicago, make sure you come out to the Cell that night…in fact…come out as much as you can to cheer us on!
Now ya’ll know that your official Dirty 30 t-shirt is being especially made and we’ve been working to get the design printed just right…so thanks for being patient!
I want to remind you check out the upcoming Nick Swisher Baseball Camp in cooperation with Heat Baseball for kids 5- 16 years old from August 18-21 at University of Illinois. Also, remember our first Charity Cruise when we sail the Western Caribbean for 7 nights in January 2009. Both will help raise funds for Swish’s Wishes and you can get information and sign up too, right on my home page.
It’s been a long day so I’m going to sign off now but keep your pictures and emails coming. I think Matt, my web designer is going to do something cool with all the fan photos that come in....so send in as many as you can in the next few weeks!
Go Sox!
-Swish
July 15, 2008
The All Star break is always a good time to let the mind and body rest from the daily grind of a long baseball season. But I’m ready to get it going again. As we head into the second half of the baseball season, I couldn’t feel any better about where we are --and the energy, passion, the fight and no quit of this team.
Over the All Star Break, I’ve spent time with my family in Parkersburg, WV and have had the best time! I can’t think of a better place to kick back and relax for a few days…and there is nothing like my dad’s egg sandwiches!
While I’m thinking about it, there are a few things I want to share with you or remind you about -- and each is to benefit my non profit foundation, Swish’s Wishes.
As many of you know, the first and only official Nick Swisher personally designed Dirty 30 T-shirt is now available! I love this shirt and the design is intertwined with symbols that have a special meaning to me – like a cross and my grandma’s initials. We only have a limited amount, so place your order soon.
A few months ago, I mentioned the charity cruise but thought I would remind you all to sign up and join me! A cruise is a first for me and I know it will be a blast – the “Swish’s Wishes” Charity Cruise with my family, friends and fans from around the country. We’ll sail the Western Caribbean for 7 nights aboard the Carnival Legend January 10 -18, 2009.
And, the first Nick Swisher Baseball Camp takes place August 18 - 21 at the University of Illinois Chicago for kids ages 5-16. Baseball instruction will cover hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base running, too. This will be a fun time for all—with some surprises too!
Lastly, my home run challenge is still growing and it’s never to late… So if you want to join in, download the challenge form from the donate page!
Whew…
Keep your emails and pictures coming!
Later ----
-Swish
July 4, 2008
Happy 4th of July weekend America!
Tonight our 7 game win streak ended but what a great ride it's been! And a new win streak starts all over again tomorrow. This week has been emotional --not only on the field with exciting and hard played baseball games....but off the field too. As you know I spent the first anniversary of Swish's Wishes with an inspirational little guy--eight year old Adam Bender. His spirit and courage most certainly touched me. And as I think about courage on this 4th of July weekend, I think about our men and women in uniform serving our country here at home and around the world.
For the last 4 seasons, I've participated in Strikeouts For Troops, founded by my good friend Barry Zito. I was the first guy that joined with Z when he announced his foundation in 2005. Today, we are joined by nearly 50 MLB players and we've raised nearly 1 million dollars with 100% of the funds raised being sent to help our wounded soldiers recovering in military hospitals nationwide.
I never want an American soldier to think that his or her sacrifice goes unnoticed or unappreciated and so we stand together --strong and united. The funds we are raising to help our wounded heroes are beginning to make a difference in the lives of thousands of our service members. Contributions to the Strikeouts For Troops fund has kept loved ones near during the most difficult of times, provided individual grants to help with immediate needs, paid for air flights and lodging, purchased adaptive equipment for an easier transition at home, helped to fund the Gold Star Family Support Center at Fort Hood, provides backpacks filled with toiletries and other necessities to those who arrive at the hospital with often just the clothes on their back, support morale building events nationwide, purchased holiday gifts for military children, provided Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, supplied telephone and gift cards, and have paid for baby sitting so families can stay close.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would visit www.strikeoutsfortroops.org and check out the good work being done. And if you wish to make a donation, simply go to the donate page on the site.
To our American service members....please know how much we care and honor you. Our prayers are with you...be safe, know your country is grateful and come home soon.
-Swish
June 14, 2008
Where do I even begin to tell you what my Dad means to me as I think about him everyday but especially on this Father’s Day. I would say that the most lasting lessons my dad has taught me—would be about pure kindness, all the goodness, integrity and love of family.
He’s really made me always believe that this life of being a major league baseball player – my dream since I was 6 years old --would someday be reachable.
My Dad is my hero and my best friend. I wish I could be one tenth of the man that my father is. In the spirit of Father’s Day, I’d like to do something different with my journal and share a few of my favorite personal pictures with you.
Happy Father’s Day Dad and Papaw! I love you!
June 10, 2008
Wow! What a difference a week makes and what a week it’s been! We’ve won 7 in a row, swept 4 games from the Twins and increased our lead in the AL Central to 6 ½ games over Minnesota! I’m telling ‘ya, something awesome is happening on the South Side of Chicago!
I’m so happy that I’ve been able to help the team a bit with my bat and I want to thank Greg Walker, our hitting coach for working with me everyday ---and my teammates for staying with me through a tough six weeks. It’s all behind me now, I’ve learned a lot, have a bit more character—you know, the kind tough things bring, and I’m a better baseball player for going through it and coming out the other side.
Hey, did you hear the story about how Jason Giambi bought a gold thong and wore it under his uniform to get his bat going?…(baseball players are very superstitious!)…But I can top G… my secret weapon has been Toby Hall’s pants…. yes folks…the traveling pants! I’ve been wearing TDog’s pants to shake up the ‘ol mojo and I’ll continue to wear them…I think we have a thing going with lucky pants! Ozzie has worn the same uniform pants every day since our winning streak began….7 days in a row --same pants….no washing! Now you gotta love that!
My home run challenge has gotten a bit of a boost lately…to date we’ve raised $12,000 for Swish’s Wishes and my goal is to raise at least $50k by end of the season….if you want to take part…simply go to the donate page on the site!
We’ve had two different groups of kids out to the ballpark for Swish’s Wishes Days, a group from Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer and from Easter Seals. I love spending time with them and look forward to more kids coming out to visit with me.
Well, we’ve got something BLUE in the works for Father’s Day…stay tuned…
Thanks for all your emails and pictures! I read them all and do my best to answer you quickly….forgive me for being a bit behind.
Got to get to the yard…
Later…
-Swish
May 21, 2008
What a great win for us last night against the Cleveland Indians-- keeping us in first place and 1 ½ games ahead of the Minnesota Twins! So much fire in tonight’s game! I’m telling ‘ya, things are starting to rock on the South Side!
It feels so great to be home at the Cell since it seems like we’ve been on the road forever during the month of May! Let’s see, Toronto, Seattle, Anaheim and San Francisco. Now that’s that’s really racking up the frequent flyer miles! We ended the road trip strong with a 7-3 record, moving us into first place 1 ½ games in front of the Indians and to think, we started the trip one game behind the Indians.
I loved being out west for the first time since mid-February and it felt great to be in the warm California sun! But, it was even better to catch up with some good friends who I hadn’t seen in a while. And what a kick seeing all the fans at AT&T Park wearing their Swisher jersey’s and t-shirts and all the cool signs in the stands….made this country boy feel real proud. A group of us got up early on Saturday and jumped aboard a Bay cruise to tour Alcatraz Island. Amazing! It’s right in the middle of the San Francisco Bay... so awesome! If you ever get to San Fran, you have to check it out!
A little update on my Swish’s Wishes Home Run Challenge ….we’re up to $1,600 for each home run I hit to help kids in need through my foundation. I’m happy to announce two new companies have come on board....McCarthy Ford in Chicago, who also provide me with a great Explorer to drive, and Martin and Blaine at Martin Perri Designs, the best interior design company in the country. If you want to join us, download the pledge form located on the charity page and follow the directions. Pledge any amount you are comfortable with. It’s a lot more fun to do this together!
So, just wait till you see what the fellas and I have come up with for Father’s Day and help the fight against prostrate cancer. I’m sure you will love it and know you will laugh until you are blue!
Please keep your photos, stories and emails coming! I read them all and do my best to answer each one quickly.
-Swish
May 9, 2008
Our Mother’s and Grandmother's are huge in our lives! I really do think every day should be Mother’s Day! And cancer affects a lot of us, so it was with great pride that my teammates, John Danks, Toby Hall, Bobby Jenks and yours truly, dyed our goatees PINK in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer and pay tribute to Mother’s Day. We also made a donation on behalf of our entire team to the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. A group of kids from Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation were in attendance as part of “Swish’s Wishes” day-- and helped out with the hair coloring. It was an amazing event!
In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I’ve decided to do something a little different with my journal. I’ve asked my mom to share a few of her favorite stories --
So folks…..meet my Mom…. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
“We thought Nick was going to be a girl, infact I was so sure that Nick was going to be Brittany, that I decorated the nursery in white eyelet. But on November 25, 1980, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and Brittany quickly became Nicholas.
The time has gone by so quickly and I find myself often re-living the early years with my two boys by going through my keepsakes – the things I’ve saved for some 27 years --childhood pictures, the first lock of hair, finger paintings of whatever the imagination wants the painting to be, handmade Mother’s Day and birthday cards –all the little things that have no value to anyone else but me… if only my wonderful memories could turn back the time….
I remember when Nick was about 3 years old; I was pregnant with his brother Mark. Nick’s father was a professional baseball player and we spent many days at the stadium watching baseball games. Nick had this big red bat ---like a “bam bam” bat that was about as tall as he was. During rain delays at the ballpark we would be underneath the awning to stay dry. So, to keep Nick busy, I would pitch him peanuts that he could hit with his big red bat. It became a ritual for us and Nick and I had more fun doing the simplest activity of tossing peanuts to my son to hit with his oversized plastic bat.
--
Nick was about 5 or 6 years old and playing T-ball at his elementary school in Worthington, Ohio…these kids were so little they were lucky if they could even hit the ball much less know in what direction to run! I would sit in the stands and yell ”come on honey, just a little hit…just a little hit honey, come on, you can do it, just a little hit.” Well, I was doing my “come on honey”…..and Nick swung the bat and hit a little dribbler right in front of the plate and was called out. When the game over, I said to Nick, “honey, why didn’t you hit the ball harder?” He said, “Mom, you kept yelling at me to get a little hit! So I did”…. And I laughed so hard --it was the cutest thing!
--
Nick was about 9 years old and it was the first time that he played in a league where he would wear a real baseball uniform. He was totally fired up to play!
Nick was up to bat and he hit the ball way out into the outfield. His little brother and I were in the stands yelling YAY NICK!!! GO!!!! Nick ran to first base, these little legs just flying, rounds second base, rounds third and slides home! A home run! And we are so excited –just going crazy in the stands with excitement, and the umpire calls Nick out because he missed second base. Needless to say Nick was VERY disappointed but it was a good day because in our eyes he got a home run!
--
Nick is very neat and he’s very methodical with the things he does…like the way he tapes his bats, designs his facial hair, or the way he cuts the lawn! We had a very large grassy front yard. I had to run out quickly to the grocery store that was just a few minutes away. While I was walking out the door, Nick asked if he could cut the lawn while I was gone. Sure honey, just be safe with the lawnmower. (We had taught him how to use the lawn mower properly.)
As I returned from the store and drove up to our home….I said out loud….OH MY!!! OH MY!!!! See, Nick had mowed the lawn into a pattern that looked like a patchwork design – and he was so proud of his artistic ability and I was well…speechless. The funny thing too, is the neighbor across the street called to ask if we had a new method of air ration for our lawn!
--
Nick played soccer on a travel team for several years. And he was a very good player, very quick with his feet. He was playing in a tournament on Mother’s Day and he said, “Mom, would you like for me to score a goal for you for Mother’s Day? I hugged him and said I would really enjoy that honey. Well, he made a goal for my Mother’s Day gift….
And I can’t think of a better Mother’s Day memory to end with."
April 21, 2008
Home Sweet Chicago after a trip to Baltimore and Tampa Bay. We’ve won 11 of our last 16 games and Jim Thome hit career homer number 512 and that tied him with Hall of Famer’s Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews for 19th place on the all-time list! We have the fire, the passion and desire to win! I know it’s early but I’m telling you again…there’s something special happening here on the South Side!
In Baltimore, I got to see my good friend Kenny Chesney and we’ll hook up in June when he plays Chicago’s Soldier Field Stadium…he’s invited me to join him on stage to sing and play my guitar… so you can bet this country boy is strumm’n my guitar like crazy and working to get over my shyness issues (ha!) to be able to get up on stage!
By now you’ve heard of our DirtyCat hair salon in the clubhouse…It’s where the magic happens in turning dark to light…you know, the blond goatees that y’all love! It’s the DirtyCat – Cat for Bobby Jenks aka Jenksy Cat and Dirty for me the Dirty 30…. Kathy Jacobson, who handles all of my marketing and public relations, called our friends at Pantene and they are sending tons of their products to fully supply the DirtyCat!....I teamed with the good folks at Pantene last May, in Oakland, when I cut my long hair and donated it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths to help woman dealing with hair loss from cancer treatments…and here’s a little insider tip ….we’ve got something—shall we say, colorful… brewing in the DirtyCat for Mother’s Day!
I got word that the new “Dirty 30” jerseys from MLB/Majestic are now in the White Sox shop. I didn’t have anything to do with the design but it’s pretty darn cool….And what really awesome, is that in mid-June, I’ll introduce the first official Nick Swisher personally designed “Dirty 30” T-shirt that you can order right from my site…. I also want to send a shout out to the fellas working with us on the official Dirty 30 fan club….lots of stuff happening…. So much fun!
Now, how great is this…I’m going to be a photographer for an upcoming issue of ESPN THE MAGAZINE and I’ve decided my topic is my view of you, the fans! How fun will that be – my view of YOU! I’ll also be filming a TV segment for Jim Rome where I’ll turn the camera on my fellow teammates and give you a behind the scenes look at things rarely seen…
A little update on my Swish’s Wishes Home Run Challenge ….we’re up to $1,205 for each home run I hit to help children in need through my foundation…You can join by downloading a pledge form and follow the directions… it will be fun to watch the fund grow and together do something great for kids!
And…Go Sox!
-Swish
April 8, 2008
What’s up?
It’s been pretty crazy these last few weeks, but a good, fun kind of crazy. I hope y’all will forgive me because I’m lagging a bit on my journal.
I’m so happy to finally be home in Chicago on the cheering side of town. The truth is I was only here for Sox Fest back in January, then flew home to California, was off to Arizona for Spring Training, then traveled to Louisville twice, Memphis, Cleveland and Detroit. Frequent flyer miles you ask?
The first week has been so exciting –we’re off to a great start! Yet it’s a little tough too, because we’re having quick turnarounds—night games followed by day games. But hey, we’re winning and it doesn’t get any better than that.
Let me tell you that this team is filled with so much fire and passion! We want to win and we know we can win. We have an old school attitude of playing hard nose baseball, we have faith in each other -- we’re one big family and I couldn’t feel more blessed to be where I am. I also know that I’m one of those guys that doesn’t have the most talent, but I work hard and I take so much pride in my work ethic and we all know that I love to have a good time!
Okay…let’s cut to the chase…I’m sporting a blonde goatee…don’t worry folks…. it’s temporary. You know, it’s not easy to bleach dark brown/black hair to blonde without turning that orange color…how do you ladies do it?
See, it started with Toby Hall and Bobby Jenks, now it’s my turn…but I just did my goatee and no, I’m not doing my head…no way. We did it for fun but I’m always doing something with my hair. Remember last year, when I grew my hair for nearly a year so it would be long enough to donate to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program? My hair was made into a real hair wig for a woman dealing with hair loss from cancer treatments. It took only a few minutes for my father to chop it off in front of the crowd at the Oakland Coliseum, but that feeling of knowing I helped someone else in need, will last my lifetime.
We officially announced my Swish’s Wishes home run challenge to help kids in need and we’re starting the season at $900 a home run. Unbelievable! That’s $300 from me and a match from my friend Barry Zito, $100 from Pepsi, $100 from the Pat Covelli Foundation and $100 from a private donor. I hope fans, businesses, and other players will help me raise the total of dollars for each home run I hit. You can download a home run challenge form from the donation page and pledge any amount you wish… $1, $5, $25 --whatever you want. I think we can have some fun together while doing something great for kids in need.
Well, my dad is here in town and so we are heading out to dinner in Chicago. He played for the Cubs a long time ago but still knows all the great places to eat.
Please keep your emails and pictures coming! I love reading them all and I’m doing my best to answer them as quickly as I can.
-Swish
March 19, 2008
So…
I’m on the big count down now to Opening Day and I can honestly say, I can’t wait! I feel like a little kid because of the excitement but hey, it’s real and I hope you are excited too.
We played the A’s the other day and it was the first time I’ve seen some of my friends like Joe Blanton, Huston Street, and Eric Chavez. Being here in Tucson, I’ve been able to see both Dan Haren and Eric Byrnes quite a bit cause the D-Backs train here too. Haran and I were the only two guys who bought new homes in the Bay…and guess what? We were the only two guys traded. Note to self ….never buy a home in the city that you play ball in…..only RENT. It was so nice to see my former A’s teammates and I realize more then ever, that your true friends in life are your friends wherever you go. We went through the minor leagues together and made it to the big leagues together. We’ve been there for each other through the ups and the downs. We truly are a “band of brothers.”
In just 4 weeks, I feel so close to my White Sox teammates...From day 1 they welcomed me and are simply the best group of guys. We definitely have a personality filled clubhouse with one single goal....to bring a World Championship to the fans and the City of Chicago in 2008.
News flash!! I’ve decided to contribute $300 for every home run I hit this season to Swish’s Wishes. I thought about $100, then $500 and decided today on $300…why such a random number you ask? Well, I’m wearing number 30….so 30….300….get it? So see, it’s not random at all! Also, you’re hearing it right here! The first Nick Swisher Charity Cruise to benefit Swish’s Wishes will set sail in January 2009 on the Carnival Cruise Line. Check it out now and make your plans to sail with the Swish.
So, this weekend is going to be the best! My family has flown in to Phoenix from W. Virginia for Easter weekend and I’m so anxious to spend time with my Dad and everyone else too, of course. My agent Joe Bick is in town and I have some other close friends coming in too …so it will be an amazing weekend, no doubt about it. What else is great, is I’ll be able to visit with my dear friend Barry Zito or “Z” as I call him when we play the Giants in Scottsdale. I simply love the guy like a brother.
Okay, now a few words from the soulful Swish….with Easter just a few days away, I have been reflecting on my own life ….who I am as a man….how I treat others….what really matters….what can I do to be better…who am I over looking that needs my attention...
May I ask that you consider taking a few moments to do the same? And…perhaps reach out to someone in need, make that call you’ve been meaning to make, tell someone what a great job they are doing and that you value them, do something positive for someone else -- just for today.
The Big Countdown To Opening Day 2008 starts now!
-Swish
March 5, 2008
Hola from Arizona!
It’s about 80 degrees here in Tucson and it’s really something else with the early morning sunrise and the evening sunsets- they are breathtaking. You can’t help but notice the stillness and the beauty of the desert. If you haven’t experienced it, put it on your "bucket list" of things to do.
We just returned from playing the Diamondbacks in a split squad game in Hermosillo, Mexico and it was so much fun. I visited with all the kids and talked a bit to the media in Spanish…yes…. I speak Spanish and just really had a blast. I'm starting to see the ball real well and my timing is coming along too …In Mexico I hit 2 home runs, should have been 3, and a triple. And yesterday, we came back with a win against the Angels! I played left field and had a two-run double and 3 RBI’s. I have so much work to do to get ready for opening day but I'm pleased with how I'm coming along…most of all, my team snapped a 2-game losing streak and everyone knows – I don't like to lose.
It’s only been about 2 ½ weeks since I arrived in Tucson, but I'm really feeling at home with the White Sox organization. I just love the guys, the coaches, staff and the clubbies! Everything is first class and they are just a great group with incredible talent.
I know it’s early, but I can honestly say now that the trade from Oakland was truly a blessing in disguise for me. Now don't get me wrong…the trade crushed me…. I loved my years with the A’s and how I love the fans ….but I think where I am now is a great fit. I am with a team that wants to win now, knows how to win, and they want me. It doesn't get much sweeter then that!
I got a phone call the other day in the clubhouse from my good friend, Steve Vucinich, the A’s Clubhouse manager. It was so good to hear from Vuc and I asked how it was going with so many new faces and most of us other guys gone. He said, “Swish, I'll tell you one thing, without you in the clubhouse, it’s a whole lot quieter, that’s for sure!”
Last week I got fitted for my uniform. The uni’s are classic black, white and grey. I love them, and for the first time in my pro career, I'll be wearing black shoes. With Oakland, our shoes were white and just a nightmare to keep clean. As most of you know, I get real dirty from all the sliding and falling down I do, so trying to keep white shoes, well--white, is tough. So I welcome the change to black shoes!
The fella’s and I took in the Tucson Rodeo and also went to a WWF event recently. A few of our fitness guys are former WWF guys so we got an up close look at really what goes on. Loved it! And, I've been able to get in some golf too. A few days ago, I shot the best score of my life --a 78-- and no…this isn't a “swish story!” My score is the real deal.
So the one question everyone keeps asking is if I'm always this happy. Well…you know the answer is YES. I love life and I'm living my dream since I was six years old of wanting to be a professional baseball player. I just tell them the truth….80% of the time I'm happy with a big smile on my face and the other 20% of the time, I'm asleep. Everyday of my life I wake up simply thankful for the gifts of a wonderful family, loyal friends, great fans, doing what I love for work --and each day I have the chance to do something good for someone else.
I'm “live’n this life and love’n it!” Please keep your pictures and emails coming! I really enjoy reading them all and look for some of them to be posted on the site!
-Swish
February 13, 2008
Well here I am in Tucson, Arizona for the start of Spring Training with my new team the Chicago White Sox. And let me tell you, I am excited. I love this time of the year!
As you all know, so much has happened over the last 1 ½ months but all is well. Great, actually. Training in Tucson is different from the familiarity I had come to know in Phoenix/Scottsdale while a member of the Oakland A’s, but I am finding my way around Tucson and it’s cool.
Physically, I’m feel just great! I’ve taken off my winter "coat" by working hard in the gym, eating mostly high protein foods like egg white omelets, grilled chicken and fish (sushi!) and basically eating healthier overall. I’ve also been hitting a lot…taking about 500 swings a day. I’m ready to ROCK!
Spring Training is very important because that’s where I work to get my timing down at the plate and in the field, build up my stamina and work to get my legs in great shape—a must for any baseball player, but especially for an outfielder. See, an outfielder is on their legs all the time… running, starting, stopping, going one direction then quickly another and standing a lot. The legs really get worn out if not perfectly conditioned.
What I love the most about spring, besides the smell of the grass and the first crack of the bat, are the fans. It’s so relaxed and much easier to personally interact with all of you. I really do enjoy it! So come on down to the desert!
Before I left for Tucson, I was in Louisville, KY with Louisville Slugger for an event and had some special batting glove designed that have a little more warmth to them to help me through the first month of baseball playing in Chicago, Cleveland, Baltimore and Detroit. Being in Cali so much, I have that warm sunshine running through my veins and it’s easy to forget just how cold it gets in the Midwest and on the East. Folks, I’m talking bone chilling cold.
Well, we open up the season in my home state of Ohio against the Indians and I’m certain we'll face the A.L’s 2007 Cy Young Award winning pitcher CC Sabathia. CC’s a good friend…such a great guy with a great family. He throws at a blazing speed but I've had some good luck facing him. So I plan to continue that little “tradition” when we face him on April 2. Our home opener in Chicago is on April 7 against the Twins. If you don't have your tickets yet White Sox fans, you better get them right away!
I’m excited to tell you that I'll have a new local radio show on WSCR Radio " The Score (670 am), the flagship of the White Sox on the Mike North Show. I'll also host a weekly pre-game TV show on Comcast SportsNet. And, I’m back for year 3 of my national radio show with Chris Myers on Fox Sports Radio, so be sure to tune in or listen to my interviews right here on the site.
I hope you all are enjoying my newly designed web site and I thank Matt Walker for his hard work and in making the switch over so quickly and keeping things updated. Look for updated photos in the gallery and a few new elements we're working on and will introduce this summer.
I hope to see you all in Arizona, on the road at a ballpark near you, or at home in Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field. Check out our schedule at www.whitesox.com. And Bay Area fans… I better hear you on my first trip into the Bay as a White Sox player when we visit SF and play my good friend Barry Zito and the Giants on May 16-18.
Get your tickets now!
Please keep your letters and pictures coming! I read them all and answer them as quickly as I can.
-Swish
January 24, 2008
Hey there!
I flew in last night from the Bay to Chicago for SoxFest 2008 and let me tell you…it is so cold—negative 15!
The last three weeks have been so hectic; I can’t even begin to explain. The sting of the trade is almost gone now and I’m really looking forward to a new baseball season. The White Sox are a great organization with great players, in a great city, and they are a team that wants me. I am excited!
But let me take you back to a few weeks ago….Thursday, January 3 to be exact. I took my mom out for an early breakfast and the last thing I would ever dream was about to happen. Our food had just arrived when my phone rang and it was Billy Beane. “Hey Billy….Happy New Year!!!”
He said…“Swish…this is a really hard call to make but I’ve just traded you to the Chicago White Sox.” From there on everything went into slow motion…. He said it again….and I thought….No way… ….Me….Swish….traded? I just signed a long-term contract with the A’s, I just bought my very first home and was in the midst of moving in, and with the Haran trade, I was going to be the only player to actually live in the area in the off season near my team …. So… why me and why now?
As the weeks have gone by I realize that change is just part of life and being traded is part of baseball. It’s just hard and that first time really hurts. There is so much uncertainty in baseball…but then there is uncertainty in life. The truth is I’m still living my dream and playing a game I love….just in a different uniform and in a different city. But hey, it’s major league baseball and it doesn’t get any better than that!
Let me say how much I love the fans here in Oakland and the Bay Area, my teammates and my friends....that’s probably the real tough part. I’ve built some amazing relationships. But, I’m keeping my house and will be in the Bay much of the off-season -- and you better come out to the park when we come into town both in San Francisco and Oakland.
To all the A’s fans….thank you for all of your letters and pictures. They mean the world to me. Please know I read all of them and do my best to answer each one in a timely manner. Thanks for being patient if I get a little behind. Please keep them coming!
And to my new fans in Chicago, thank you for welcoming me with your letters and I look forward to getting to know you and working hard with my teammates to bring another World Championship to the Chicago White Sox in 2008.
By the way, I'll be wearing number 30!
>> Archived Journals
