Former Mercy Baseball Standout Brian Sweeney Earns Spot on San Diego Padres 25-Man Roster
DOBBS FERRY, NY - After a strong exhibition season, former Mercy College baseball standout Brian Sweeney was named to the San Diego Padres 25-man Roster. The 31-year old Yonkers, NY, native survived several cuts and impressed enough that he made an opening day roster for the first time in his professional career. He joins a team that includes the likes of Mike Piazza, Trevor Hoffman, Khalil Greene and Vinny Castilla.
"I had a feeling of satisfaction when they told me," said Sweeney, a 6-foot-2 right hander. "A big weight was lifted off my shoulders. Not knowing what's going to happen for a week or so was difficult. It was fun, but difficult. I couldn't stop smiling. It's a dream come true to make a team out of spring training. The next thing to do is to stick there and make an impact.
Sweeney was one of several pitchers fighting for a spot in San Diego's bullpen. In seven outings during spring training he tossed 10 innings, posted a 3.60 earned run average with eight strike outs, four walks and allowed 15 hits. Sweeney will join a group of middle relievers that includes Alan Embree, Clay Hensley and Scott Linebrink, along with Chan Ho Park and Woody Williams, who will both vie for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
"He's a good swingman," Padres' manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com prior to the announcement. "He can be a long-relief man, he can start. He's resilient."
Sweeney played at Mercy College from 1993-1996, both as a pitcher and outfielder. On the mound he posted nine wins during his career, including a high of five in 1995 as a junior. Sweeney appeared in 47 games on the mound for the Flyers, making 31 starts and striking out 192 batters in 224 1/3 innings pitched. A great all-around athlete, he batted .281, including a career-high of .336 during his senior campaign with 11 doubles and 16 runs batted in, while successfully stealing 14 bases in 16 attempts. As a junior Sweeney belted five home runs and knocked in 17 runs, while earning NYCAC Scholar Athlete of the Year honors.
He began his professional career pitching in the independent Heartland Baseball League. Sweeney went on to sign with the Seattle Mariners organization in September of 1996, making his Major League debut with them in 2003. He was picked up by the Padres in a trade in 2004, and made three trips to the big club that year, earning his first Major League win in his first Major League start against Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamond Backs. He signed with Tampa Bay as a Minor League free agent at the start of the 2005 season, before finishing the year with the Padres. He made 16 starts at Triple-A Portland, striking out 72 and walking only 16 batters in 110 2/3 innings.
Sweeney has logged over 1000 innings in the minor leagues, owning a 71-47 record with a 3.97 earned run average. His minor league highlights include being named Tacoma's (AAA) Most Valuable Pitcher by the Mariners organization in 2002, and he was the recipient of the John Ellis Award recognizing involvement in the Lancaster (Ind.) community in 1998. In parts of the 2003 and 2004 seasons, his Major League totals include 12 appearances, two starts, 23 2/3 innings pitched, 17 strikeouts, three walks, a 1-0 record and a 4.18 earned run average.
"It's nice to make the team, but now I want to stick here in the big leagues, make and impact and help the Padres win a world series," said Sweeney. "It's hard enough to make the 25 man roster, now I have to stay. I don't want to go back. Hopefully I'm done with the minor leagues. Hopefully I can stay and make an impact."
The Padres opened the 2006 season on Monday, April 3, with a 6-1 victory at home over the San Francisco Giants. Sweeney did not appear in that contest and they were rained out on Tuesday. The Padres return to action on Wednesday, April 5, with another home game versus the Giants.
