Nick Swisher Appreciation Thread
by The Dogfather on Jan 3, 2008 8:02 PM PST
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PrintAs I tried to digest today's 500+ post Swisher Trade thread, it occurred to me that many of us were reacting as much to the loss of Swisher-the-Personality as to Swisher-the-Ballplayer. I'm pretty sure we'd get a "strong plurality" in ANy AN caucus that he's a terrific guy and a very lively presence.
Accordingly, I'm hoping it may help purge the trade grief to post in this diary -- an opportunity to recall his impact on you, your family or friends, on the current team, and
on the franchise. Great plays, special moments, meetings, photos, sound bites, video, etc. etc.
For instance, there's this great farewell pic, used without permission from LawDaddy (so sue me):
Who knows, maybe Blez can figure a way to make certain he gets a copy of it (so post no phone numbers, pls -- I'm looking at YOU, Batgirl). Someone might also volunteer to warn him about Jennifer's basement, now practically in his neighborhood.
Fire away, A's Nation!
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Swish
had the greatest smile. He embodied the young spirit of the A's. He had a friendly accessible way with the fans. Chicago? You are going to love him. Thanks Nick for the pleasure that you gave to me and my family. I loved watching you develop your baseball skills. I will definitely make sure that I am at some CWS/A's games this year. Good luck,and God Bless you,honey.
Nick we are gonna miss you
You brought tons of energy to this club and were a fan favorite.
Loved that you put the fans first.
Good luck in Chi-Town. I am sure Frank Thomas told you about what a great place it is to play and what great leadership they have there. (Sorry)
I feel for you Bro.
Anyway, Thx for the memories during your short time here.
by Hawk on Jan 3, 2008 7:58 PM PST reply actions
One of my favorite Swisher moments
was the inside-the-park home run at Yankee Stadium.
Man, I'm going to miss him. I know baseball is a business, yada yada yada, but damn...
I'm really curious to know why
so many people who don't know him on a personal level (sorry, he took a picture with your kid and signed your ball doesn't count) think he is so terrific? I'm not trying to tarnish his image but he was anything but terrific to me.
Read two my post two posts below.
What you see on TV, hear on the radio, and view on the field is pretty much what you get. Nick Swisher is a candid, open, sincere, funny, cool guys guy. That's what sucked so much about the Slusser article ripping on him for his partying - she made him retreat into a shell there for a brief moment. In true Swisher form he couldn't keep quiet for long.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jan 3, 2008 8:18 PM PST up reply actions
I completely disagree.
but I'm not going to post personal things on this website other than to say that.
Given that the majority of what people have...
...seen and heard of Swisher is positive, I can only say, without knowing the details, that maybe you caught him on a bad day. I'm not going to sit here and say you deserved whatever reaction you got, but he has always come off to me as a pretty good guy from the things I've been able to see.
Though personally, I think it's a little low of you to come in and slag the guy then pull the "I'm not going to post anything personal here" line.
sounds to me less like "caught him on" ...
i love swish because
he is everything i like a player on my favorite team to be.
he LOOKS like he is having a blast every time he is on the field. i wish every player looked like that on the field.
he does great things off the field like starting up his swish's wishes foundation and donating his hair for cancer patients.
he is THE fan-friendliest player ever. that may not matter to some people but i think it's awesome when a player actually takes the time to acknowledge their fans or takes the time out to sign some autographs and takes some pictures.
I agree with everything you said
I love how he has fun every day that he plays the game. My favorite memories are seeing him and Huston at the after-game radio show thingy at spring training 2 years ago, and when we did AN day in SoCal and he was kind enough to sign stuff and chat with some of us when we went to the hotel after the game. Not to mention his dancing in the dugout, the pregame shows, and his facial hair/haircuts that were different just about every time I saw the A's in person. I'm going to miss seeing him in the green and gold.
He's such a goofball. Good times!
Watch out Joe
Either Billy or Face-Lick Girl is gonna get you next. Maybe both.
Drat...Out, Damn Crop!
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 3, 2008 8:25 PM PST up reply actions
Full width version
Sure looks like someone's hand is getting a little close for comfort to Nick there.
Nick Swisher is hands down the coolest
person of 'importance' I have ever met in my life. Everything you see on TV, on the radio, and on the field is the real Nick Swisher. Nick Swisher is the man.
2 years ago me and my buddies were drinking at a bar when lo and behold it's Nick Swisher. We go up to him and strike up a conversation. To our surprise he kicked it with us for an hour and a half until we closed at the bar. Seriously, the coolest guy ever. It was just like hanging out with one of the guys.
Last year, I was crossing he street at spring training. A baby blue hummer almost runs us down in the cross walk. We look up and see it's gaudin and swisher. I ran up to the window and gave him (swisher) a hi five. He was totally cool and apologized for almost running us over.
NICK SWISHER WILL BE MISSED!!!
Here's to reacquiring Swish in 2013.
No, No, No, you guys got it all wrong
Beane didn't deal Swisher just for Prospects, he dealt him to Chicago so that I could see him play more often since I'm not in Oakland anymo.
Then, in July, Swisher will be dealt back to Oakland.
The Treezy
The easy affability on the camera and on the field. Country Roads with Nick Swisher. The way he talked the ear off of each opponent who reached first base. The way you almost never saw him in the A's dugout without a smile.
The way he made you believe that his on-camera persona was the exact same as his off-camera one.
The commercial with the trucker's hat and mullet. Almost too natural.
The way he was the last player to leave the field after the last game of the season, after walking up and down the stands on the 3B/LF side, giving away his hat, batting gloves, bats, and everything not nailed down...and not just huckin' 'em into the stands, but picking out specific fans, mostly kids, and giving 'em a souvenir and a handshake or a hug and a lifetime memory. And then when we clapped for him, he looked at us, thousands of us, seemingly right in the eye, and clapped for us.
That is so awesome
I wish more players were like that. Shoot I wish more people in GENERAL were like that.
This brought a tear to my eye,
on the day it happend and more just now. This is what he was all about - the fans. I was lucky enough to have met him at his charity events, and he truly is the of the nicest most down to earth guys I have ever met. Not sure how many bruises I have, because I keep pinching myself to make sure this isn't some horrible nightmare.
Know I have a reason to go check out the Windy City. Gonna miss you, and best of luck Nick.
by SwisherGirl33 on Jan 4, 2008 2:48 PM PST up reply actions
When I told my boyfriend about the trade...
He is not into baseball, he just goes to games with me cause I love it so much. But when I told him of the trade he said, "But he gives bats to kids!! How could they trade him!?!" I thought it was cute. He went to the last game of the season with me, and Swish left a huge impression on him. Swish's spirit is what I will miss most. This team just won't be the same with out him and his heart.
by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jan 4, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
bobby crosby
doesn't like baseball? that would make sense.
I think the problem is the reverse
Baseballs -- at least, pitched ones -- don't seem to like Bobby very much. They do work so hard to get out of the way of his bat.
Ok, I'll bite, but sue you later.
Meanwhile, here's a few more from the collection:
by LawDaddy on Jan 3, 2008 8:41 PM PST reply actions
I'm going to miss him
I'm disappointed and angry that my favorite A is going to Chicago. Swish embodied the Oakland A's, being just a bit too big for his britches when he came up and needing to be put in his place by a few vets. Then forming up that special relationship with big Frank and getting his team all fired up. I believe that it was his energy that contributed to big Frank's massive year, having his own personal cheerleader and someone to teach.
Swish's energy and leadership were key elements to the A's success, and his love of the game was inspirational. Imagine if I could love what I do everyday anywhere near the way Swish exhibited his passion and enthusiasm for baseball.
My question now is who takes over for Swish on a team full of unknowns? I don't think Chavy has that leadership bent, and with Haren gone we don't have a real veteran presence to lead the way.
This is going to be a long season.
was at a mets vs. a's game in ny
and i was sitting near 1B and these two met fans from behind me yell "hey swisher! lindsay lohan says hello"
and swish raises his glove to his ear as if to say "I'm sorry, could you repeat that just a little louder?"
It was amazing
I will truly miss him
Spring Training '05, we were sitting in LF, when
... a foul ball was hit over near us. Swisher missed it, but some comely, coedly young woman with a UTennessee jersey on said, within his hearing:
"OhMyGod, that was NICK SWISHER?! If I'd have known that was HIM, I'd have shown him my BOOBS!"
Swisher nonchalantly trotted back over to his position, but couldn't resist several less-than-subtle glances her way during the remainder of the inning. No word on any later extra-base hits, and I doubt her name was Cyndi, at least not without a hyphen.
Interesting world they inhabit.
Sorry -- it was '06.
by The Dogfather on Jan 3, 2008 9:49 PM PST up reply actions
Nick just joined Blackhawk Country Club
I am a member of Blackhawk Country Club as is my former business partner (Giants fan). So the other day he calls me to ask "guess who I just played golf with"? I was so jealous. Apparently Nick just bought a house in Blackhawk and joined the club. He played golf for the first time as a member and he got paired with my business partner.
To reconfirm what we all know, my partner said that Nick was a great guy, very down to earth. You learn alot about a person on the golf course. Subsequently they played together a second time. My partner is 62 and Nick treated everyone well.
I really like this guy and I am very, very disapointed that he has been traded, regardless of whether or not it was a good move by the Genius.
by TahoeDon on Jan 3, 2008 10:13 PM PST reply actions
see, this is why I like the trade
I want Billy to acquire guys who, when they golf with a 62-y.o., will do everything in their power to win, to step on the neck of their opponent when he's down, to put him away. No carts. No mulligans. Strict PGA rule enforcements. "Gaming" the opposition by coughing or gesticulating when they're addressing the ball. NBA-style trash-talking. NFL-style birdie/eagle celebration dances. Leaving divots in the way. Whatever it takes. Swisher just didn't have that killer edge.
I for one feel bad for Nick
How could a young guy live and make millions in Chicago. I work there several times a year and I dont know how he is going to do it. I bet he feels really bad as he checks his bank account, buys a home in Florida, keeps his home in Blackhawk and lives in Chicago at the worst of times(The summer). Most of you like myself have never had a great time in Chicago in the Summer. Why would anyone enjoy the Taste of Chicago, Jazz Festival or any other events that happen in Chicago at that time of the year? Believe me A's fans, Nick Swisher(My favorite Player) will not be only ok, he will thrive and live a life that most people could only dream about.
this catfish stew post was amusing
Huzzah for Nicholas Swisher, Base-ball Enthusiast
A giants fans has a nice
story about Swisher here.
I was sitting on the third base side of Safeco Field about nine rows back as you and some of your teammates stretched; the Mariners were over in the Right Field area. You guys were getting ready for Opening Day, doing your thing, totally understandable. But, as the kid started off to first, you and only you broke from the guys who were stretching and walked toward third, applauding the kid the whole way. When he reached second, he was tired. He looked up, struggling to keep his pace. That is until he saw you about 90 feet from him, cheering him on. The kid visibly lifted himself and ran toward and then past you with a combined look of glee and amazement. You stayed where you were and kept cheering him on until he reached home plate. Then, you returned to complete your stretches.
I'm not going to read the 600-comments thread.
Also not going to read the "cry me a river" one, because that whole obnoxious, "you're wrong for having emotions that I don't understand" attitude is a fucking tired act. I thought about posting a "just stay out of here if you like these trades" vent diary last night, but didn't have computer access.
I don't have any additional Sweet Swisher Memories to share (the "last '07 game" memory & photos shared by FSU & gotgreen is one of my favorites), so I'm going to show MY Swisher Appreciation by hating this trade.
I don't like being apprehensive that I'll suddenly no longer be able to watch players that I've become attached to and that I enjoy rooting for, and that I thought I would be able to continue to root for a little bit longer. I'm an A's fan, I know no one is going to be here for long, I know that our farm system contains other players that I'm going to grow attached to and root for at some point down the road, I know I'm set up for an ongoing cycle of attachment & loss, and I've been okay with that. But when something takes me completely by surprise, like these last two trades, it's a lot more upsetting... and DAMN IT, I'm going to be acutely upset about it for as long as I will be, until I'm not.
Someone compared the Swisher trade to the upset of the Hudson trade, but I'm much more upset about this one. I was (am) a big Tim Hudson fan, but Huddy's trade didn't take me by surprise at all; he was about to enter the final year of his contract, I was already getting ready to lose him to free agency or maybe a midseason trade, so while I was sad about losing him a little prematurely, I was more or less prepared for it. I was NOT prepared to lose Mulder a few days later, so that was actually more upsetting than losing Hudson (even though I liked Hudson more).
THIS, on the other hand (and the Haren trade)... total surprise. If there were any players that I would have thought to be "untouchable" (trying to see from Beane's perspective), I would have said that Eric Chavez and Nick Swisher were the only ones. Guess not. I'm not going to be presumptuous and yell "Beane doesn't know what he's doing!", because I'm sure he does know what he's doing, and he seems to be doing it well. But I don't like what he's doing. A team is not just a business to its fans, and he doesn't seem to have any regard for that.
Don't worry
Everyone in the 600+ comment thread maintained the highest standards of decorum.
In a wholly unrelated note, I can't seem to get the taste of soap out of my mouth.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 4, 2008 8:49 AM PST up reply actions
Now Shannon Stewart is the most charismatic
player on the A's. And AJ and Swish are gonna be great clowny friends. GAG.
So you're telling me that Melhuse is the new
most charismatic A?
I'm REALLY hoping that folks won't misuse ...
... this thread as a springboard to further critique the events of yesterday.
Kindly startcher own "mad as hell" diary(s).
Why me?
Because you have a blog, dummy!
(I actually just watched that again last night.)
Because you have knees, Nancy.
by The Dogfather on Jan 4, 2008 2:16 PM PST up reply actions
Swisher stuff
First, this excerpt from Moneyball, which I always liked:
"Swisher is noticeable, isn't he?" says Billy, hoping to hear more about what Swisher looks like. How Swisher really is. "Oh, he's noticeable," says an old scout. "From the moment he gets off the bus he doesn't shut up."
And some of my better Swisher pictures:
Thanks for the great pics!
I'm going to miss Nick a lot. My friends kept calling me yesterday and asking how I was doing because they knew how upset I'd be.
One of my most favorite memories was last Sept. when I was lucky enough to be seated right behind home plate, and one thing that was very clear was Swisher's frustration.
It was obvious the pitcher was deliberately trying to hit him. So close, it was kind of scary! Swish just had enough of it and tore into him and then the bench clearing..........
All in all it was a long, exiting and close game. The typical kind we play, when we play the Texas Rangers.
Good luck in Chicago, Nick!
I think I am more sad
After reading about him and looking at pics of him. The less I think about it the better. I mean it's only a game right? Yeah, I'll keep telling myself that.
Swisher was the A's twinkle
to quote Kramer. And I wish him nothing but the best. I'm jealous of White Sox fans now--they'll have fun getting to know him and will love rooting for him. Of course, they have to deal with A.J., so it kind of evens out.
As has been said here many ways quite wonderfully, Swisher was just a great personality. I'll remember that before he came along Brad Fisher always caught the ceremonial first pitch (except when it was a celebrity or a make-a-wish kid.) But then Swisher started catching everyones? That's nice. Nick handing out his gear to the fans. Nick showing up at every public appearance, doing every radio interview, post game show, Swisher unscripted (has anyone checked on Brodie Brazil--there goes that 2nd Emmy!)
Bummer.
gasp!!!!
i totally forgot about swisher unscripted....aww man...
by TrizzleNizzle510 on Jan 5, 2008 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
My favorite Swisher moment
The 16-0 game from 2005 against the Gnats. Swisher had already hit one HR (left-handed) when he was up against Jason Christiansen, now batting right-handed. Christiansen buzzed him with a head-high fastball. Instead of charging the mound, or any of the usual BS, he got back in the box and did the only thing he should've done - rip a HR on the next pitch.
Sigh - I just realized Rich Harden went seven innings that day. Just one more thing we won't be seeing this season.
yeah, that was awesome
I'd like to eavesdrop...
...whenever the subject of Frank Thomas comes up between Swish and Ozzie Guillen.
In Oakland, nobody knows such a Frank Thomas.
"That's why Ozzie doesn't know what he's talking about. Frank's like my big brother," said Nick Swisher, in his second big-league season. "I'm learning how to go about the game the right way because of Frank. He's teaching me about the game within the game and about how to deal with adversity, how not to be on a mental roller coaster. He says, 'If you didn't have the athletic ability, you wouldn't be here.' I can't thank him enough. So, whatever, Ozzie."
"So, whatever, Ozzie" was my signature line for about the 2006-07 season because of it. :)
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jan 4, 2008 7:03 PM PST reply actions
that would make a great southsidesox sig
Swisher
is a true baseball player. he went out there everyday and played the game with such joy and excitement. he played the game like he loved it. he isnt the worst player.. and he isnt the best. but what ive seen from him over these past few years..is that he has the potential to become a great ballplayer. a great ball player to me is not someone whos an A'hole and has good numbers across the board with 1000 homers... a great ballplayer to me is someone like swish. played his heart out and treated his fans like fans should be treated.
the best swish moment that i will remember is when i met him at fanfest last year at the comcast photo shoot. i was extremely nervous standing in line. my friends and i got in and swish had a huge smile on his face and made those butterflies go away. thank god something was wrong with the machine... we got to stand there for about 5 minutes and chatted with nick like we were good buddies. he was so charming and had a very good sense of humor. very very down to earth like a lot of people have said. he gave me a huge teddy bear hug and thanked me for being patient while they were fixing the problem. to me there wasnt a problem at all :) before i left i yelled back to him,"I HELLA LOVE YOU SWISH!!" and then he smiled with a look of confusion and said , " AND I...HELLA?! LOVE YOU TOO!" best fan moment everrrrrrr... god i love that guy.. i miss this guy already.. i wish him the very best of luck and i really do hope he becomes that great ballplayer
by TrizzleNizzle510 on Jan 5, 2008 1:18 PM PST reply actions
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