As he took his practice swings on the McAfee Coliseum field in Oakland Monday, Athletics' right fielder Nick Swisher knew the four-game series about to begin between the A's and division-leading Los Angeles was going to be the biggest series of his career.
"I played in some big games at OSU, but this is the kind of series where legends are made. We have put ourselves in a position to make history if we play like we are capable of playing in this series," Swisher said. "This right here is how great stories are finished."
Swisher, the former Ohio State star who played for the Buckeyes from 2000-2002, has experienced a roller coaster of a rookie year, both in his personal and team performance. After dominating Big Ten pitchers for three seasons, Swisher has struggled with his average against Major League pitching as a rookie, yet has managed to put up impressive power numbers.
"These guys not only have amazing talent, but they know how to use it to exploit your every weakness," Swisher said. "Facing guys like Pedro (Martinez), (Curt) Schilling and (Mariano) Rivera is a lot different than the pitchers I faced in college or the minors."
In college Swisher was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2000 after hitting .299 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. He was an All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore in 2001 after hitting .322 with 56 RBIs and a league-leading 15 home runs. He earned All-Big Ten honors again in 2002 after batting .348 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs.
After helping the Buckeyes capture the 2002 Big Ten Tournament title, he was drafted by Oakland with the 16th pick in the first round. Swisher then spent most of his first two seasons in the minor leagues before being called up at the end of the 2004 season. He became the first OSU baseball player to make his Major League debut since catcher Mike Durant did with the Minnesota Twins in 1996.
Swisher's baseball talents are not surprising given his upbringing. He was born at Riverside Hospital, most likely with a bat in his hand.
Spring Break
