Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Mercy College Baseball Alumnus Brian Sweeney a Success for Nippon
Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League
DOBBS FERRY, NY - Former Mercy College baseball standout Brian Sweeney is at it again, making the most of every opportunity presented to him, this time with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Pacific League, one of the two Major Leagues in Japan.
After working primarily out the bullpen in 2007, his first season in Japanese baseball, Sweeney has gotten a chance to both relieve and now start in 2008 after injuries in the Fighters' rotation. All totaled, he has appeared in 15 games, going 6-2 with a sparkling 2.59 earned run average which is sixth in the league, and has held opponents to a .221 batting average against.
For Sweeney, a native of Yonkers, NY, starting would be his number one choice, but he relishes the opportunity to contribute to his team's success any way he can.
"I have been a starter and reliever for most of my career and I have come to really enjoy the role," said Sweeney. "It gives my team more options during the season and what it comes down to at the major league level is winning. I am here to do whatever I can do to help my team win. If I had to choose it would be starting because you can get into more of a routine. Starting is also high risk but it is high reward too."
In his most recent outing versus the Hanshin Tigers on June 21, Sweeney rewarded his club for another starting opportunity as he tossed six scoreless innings, allowed just four singles, struck out three batters and also went 1-for-2 at the plate with a base hit and a run batted in. The Fighters' bullpen then closed out a 4-0 triumph with three more scoreless innings to give him the win.
After making the transition to his new surroundings and competition in 2007, Sweeney said his mental attitude has been the key to his success this year. "Confidence at all times puts me in a position to win every time I toe the rubber. I am not here to do the best I can because that attitude leaves room for error and loss. In my mind I pitch only to win. Any other attitude at this level is accepting defeat. Major league hitters are the best in the world and I need to be better mentally in order to do my job."
Sweeney took a lot from that first season in Japan, on and off the field. "I became a better pitcher because of the guys on my team. Watching them pitch and be successful taught me what it would take to win at this level. Beyond baseball, adapting to the Japanese culture and learning the many things this country has to offer has been nothing short of amazing. Japan is a wonderful country that people should visit if they have a chance."
Sweeney and the Fighters are currently in second place in the Pacific League at 39-32-1, just one game behind the Seibu Lions. After winning the last two Pacific League titles, Sweeney feels that his club can continue its success.
"Our team relies on pitching and defense," Sweeney said. "If we stay strong as a pitching staff, I believe we will get back to the World Series again."
Sweeney played for the Mercy College baseball team from 1993-1996 as a pitcher and outfielder, earning conference Scholar Athlete of the Year honors as a junior. He has since put together a 12-year career in professional baseball. Last year Sweeney was 6-8 in his first year with the Fighters. Sweeney debuted in Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 2003, compiling a 1.93 earned run average in five appearances. He then pitched in 2004 and 2006 with the San Diego Padres, combining for a 3-0 record with two saves and a 3.69 earned run average.
Sweeney hasn't ruled out a return home to play, but seems to have found a niche where he is today and is focused on the task at hand for now.
"My mind is here in Japan so I do believe I will be playing in Japan next year," said Sweeney.
About Mercy College Athletics
Mercy College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and a member of the East Coast Conference (ECC). The College sponsors 14 men's and women's sports. To learn more about Mercy's Department of Athletics and Recreation, call (914) 674-7220 or visit http://www.mercyathletics.com/.
