Darnell Sweeney

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Darnell Sweeney

| image = Darnell Sweeney, 2015 Triple-A All-Star Game.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Sweeney with the Oklahoma City Dodgers at the 2015 Triple-A All-Star Game

| team =

| number =

| position = Utility player

| bats = Switch

| throws = Right

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|2|1}}

| birth_place = Carver Ranches, Florida, U.S.

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = August 20

| debutyear = 2015

| debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = August 1

| finalyear = 2018

| finalteam = Toronto Blue Jays

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .172

| stat3label = Home runs

| stat3value = 3

| stat4label = Runs batted in

| stat4value = 11

|awards =

|teams =

Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2015}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2018}})

}}

Darnell Thomas Sweeney (born February 1, 1991) is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays.

Early life and amateur career

Sweeney's father, a native of the British Virgin Islands, tutored Sweeney in baseball from the age of four and taught him to switch hit.{{cite news |last=Villa |first=Walter |date=August 24, 2015 |title=Former American High star player Darnell Sweeney feels right at home in the majors |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/article32217243.html |url-status= |work=Miami Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031082948/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/article32217243.html |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=February 15, 2023}}

Sweeney attended Fort Lauderdale High School for the 2005–2006 school year. Due to relocation Darnell finished off his prep career at American Senior High School. He was drafted in the 41st round of the 2009 MLB draft by the Florida Marlins but did not sign.

Sweeney attended college at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he played college baseball for the UCF Knights.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20141117/los-angeles-dodgers-prospect-darnell-sweeney-just-looking-to-fit-in|title=Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Darnell Sweeney just looking to fit in|website=Los Angeles Daily News |date=17 November 2014}} Sweeney had committed to play for UCF before receiving a scholarship offer from Miami and chose to honor his commitment to UCF. He was selected to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team with a .358 batting average, 83 hits and 17 stolen bases. As a junior he was named to the Coral Gables All-Regional Team and was a Conference USA Preseason First Teamer. In 2011, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=142748&seasonid=532 |title=#7 Darnell Sweeney |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=August 12, 2021}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

File:Darnell Sweeney.jpg

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Sweeney in the 13th round, with the 416th overall pick, of the 2012 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://today.ucf.edu/trio-of-knights-taken-in-mlb-draft/ |title=Trio of Knights Taken in MLB Draft |publisher=Today.ucf.edu |date=June 6, 2012 |accessdate=August 31, 2013}} In 2012 with the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League he hit .303 and stole 10 bases in 16 games. On July 8, 2012, he was called up to the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League. There, Sweeney hit .291 with 23 RBI, 5 home runs and 17 17 stolen bases over 51 games. In 2013 with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League, he hit .275 in 134 games with 11 home runs, 75 RBI and 48 stolen bases. Sweeney was promoted to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts for the 2014 season. He was selected to the mid-season Southern League All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2014/6/3/5777556/chris-reed-scott-schebler-dodgers-southern-league-all-stars|title=Chris Reed, Scott Schebler among 5 Chattanooga Southern League All-Stars|first=Eric|last=Stephen|work=truebluela|date=June 3, 2014|accessdate=June 3, 2014}} In 132 games, he hit .288 with 14 homers and 57 RBI. After the season, he played with the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League and was selected to the AFL Top Prospects List.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2014/12/10/7372503/corey-seager-scott-schebler-darnell-sweeney-fall-league-top-prospects-team|title=Corey Seager, Scott Schebler, Darnell Sweeney named to 2014 AFL Top Prospects Team|first=Eric|last=Stephen|work=truebluela.com|date=December 10, 2014|accessdate=December 10, 2014}} The Dodgers invited Sweeney to attend major league spring training in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2015/01/09/arruebarrena-seager-urias-among-17-non-roster-spring-training-invitees/|title=Arruebarrena, Seager, Urias among 17 non-roster Spring Training invitees|work=dodgers.com|first=Jon|last=Weisman|date=January 9, 2015|accessdate=January 9, 2015}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/2015/04/07/revealed-opening-day-roster-for-triple-a-oklahoma-city/|title=Revealed: Opening Day roster for Triple-A Oklahoma City.|work=LA Daily News|first=J. P.|last=Hoornstra|date=April 7, 2015|accessdate=April 7, 2015}} and selected to the mid-season all-star team.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-134023050|title=Four OKC Dodgers Named to Triple-A All-Star Game|work=Minor League Baseball|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On August 19, 2015, Sweeney and fellow minor leaguer John Richy were traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Chase Utley.{{cite web|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2015/08/19/dodgers-add-chase-utley-for-postseason-pursuit/|title=Dodgers add Chase Utley for postseason pursuit|work=Dodgers.com|first=Jon|last=Weisman|accessdate=August 19, 2015|date=August 19, 2015}} The Phillies immediately added Sweeney to the major league roster.{{cite web|url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25275192/b-darnell-sweeney-p-jerad-eickhoff-set-to-join-phillies |title=2B Darnell Sweeney, P Jerad Eickhoff set to join Phillies |first=Marty |last=Gitlin |work=CBS Sports |date=August 19, 2015 |accessdate=August 19, 2015 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He made his MLB debut August 20 as a pinch hitter.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20150822_Phillies_newcomer_Darnell_Sweeney_happy_to_be_in_the_big_league.html|title=Phillies Notes: Phillies newcomer Darnell Sweeney Happy to be in the Big Leagues|first=Jake|last=Kaplan|work=Philly.com|date=August 22, 2015|accessdate=August 22, 2015}} His first major league hit – a home run – came on August 22 in Miami against the Marlins.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20150823_Phillies_hand_Jerad_Eickhoff_a_victory_in_his_big-league_debut.html|title=Sweeney's First Homer Helps Phillies beat Marlins|first=Jake|last=Kaplan|work=Philly.com|date=August 23, 2015|accessdate=August 23, 2015}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers (second stint)=

On November 11, 2016, he was traded back to the Dodgers (along with Darin Ruf) in exchange for Howie Kendrick{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/11/11/13603478/howie-kendrick-trade-phillies-dodgers-darin-ruf-darnell-sweeney|title=Dodgers trade Howie Kendrick to Phillies for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=November 11, 2016|accessdate=November 11, 2016}} and was assigned to Oklahoma City to begin the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/okc-dodgers/news/okc-dodgers-release-2017-opening-day-roster/c-222441954/t-196093382|title=OKC Dodgers Release 2017 Opening Day Roster|work=Minor League Baseball|author=Oklahoma City Dodgers|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2017|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802132107/https://www.milb.com/okc-dodgers/news/okc-dodgers-release-2017-opening-day-roster/c-222441954/t-196093382|url-status=dead}} In 38 games for Oklahoma City in 2017, he slashed .227/.290/.412 with four home runs and 15 RBI.

=Cincinnati Reds=

On May 27, 2017, Sweeney was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for future considerations.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-darnell-sweeney-dealt-to-reds/|title=Reds' Darnell Sweeney: Dealt to Reds|date=May 28, 2017|accessdate=August 15, 2017|work=CBS Sports}} He played in 81 games for the Triple–A Louisville Bats, slashing .281/.355/.420 with seven home runs, 29 RBI, 11 RBI. Sweeney was released by the Reds organization on March 31, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/minor-mlb-transactions-33118.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 3/31/18|last=Downing|first=Kyle|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 31, 2018|accessdate=March 31, 2018}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On April 3, 2018, Sweeney signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/darnell-sweeney-572182|title=Darnell Sweeney Stats, Highlights, Bio|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=April 5, 2018}} He was called up by the Blue Jays on June 29 to replace Steve Pearce, who had been traded to the Boston Red Sox. He was outrighted to Triple-A on July 5, 2018. Sweeney was recalled by the Blue Jays on July 31, and designated for assignment on August 2.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BlueJaysPR/status/1025206139959427073|title=Toronto Blue Jays PR on Twitter|work=Twitter|accessdate=August 3, 2018}} He elected free agency on October 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/darnell-sweeney-572182|title=Darnell Sweeney Stats, Highlights, Bio|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 4, 2018}}

=Kansas City T-Bones=

On February 12, 2019, Sweeney signed with the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. In 23 games for Kansas City, he hit .288/.430/.538 with four home runs, nine RBI and six stolen bases.

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On June 12, 2019, Sweeney's contract was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.{{cite web |url=http://www.americanassociationbaseball.com/former-major-leaguer-sweeney-headed-back-to-affiliated-ball/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616124730/http://www.americanassociationbaseball.com/former-major-leaguer-sweeney-headed-back-to-affiliated-ball/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 16, 2019|title=Former Major Leaguer, Sweeney, Headed Back to Affiliated Ball|website=americanassociationbaseball.com|date=June 12, 2019|accessdate=June 12, 2019}} In 45 games split between the Double–A Altoona Curve and Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, he hit a combined .214/.272/.364 with four home runs and 18 RBI. Sweeney elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2019/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2019|author=Matt Eddy|website=Baseball America|date=November 7, 2019|accessdate=November 7, 2019}}

=Winnipeg Goldeyes=

On January 31, 2020, Sweeney re-signed with the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. However, the T-Bones were not selected to compete in the condensed 60-game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was later drafted by the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the 2020 dispersal draft. In 60 games he hit .277/.355/.521 with 14 home runs, 38 RBI and 14 stolen bases.

=Kansas City Monarchs=

Sweeney was returned to the Kansas City T-Bones after the 2020 season on September 11, 2020. The team changed their name to the Kansas City Monarchs in the offseason. Sweeney played in 97 games for Kansas City in 2021, slashing .262/.354/.484 with 19 home runs, 69 RBI, and 22 stolen bases.

Sweeney played in 92 games for the Monarchs in 2022, being named an All-Star after posting a .321/.410/.490 slash line with 13 home runs, 49 RBI, and 31 stolen bases.{{Cite web|title=Meet Your 2022 American Association All-Star Teams|url=https://minorleaguesportsreport.com/index.php/meet-your-2022-american-association-all-star-teams/|access-date=2023-03-06|website=minorleaguesportsreport.com|date=30 June 2022 |language=en}} He was released on October 27, 2022.

=Sioux Falls Canaries=

On May 2, 2023, Sweeney signed with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Professional Baseball.{{cite web | url=https://aabaseball.com/transactions/ | title=American Association of Professional Baseball - 2023 Transactions }} In 98 games for the Canaries, he batted .283/.390/.508 with 19 home runs, 57 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. In addition, Sweeney was named an All–Star for the Canaries during the season.{{Cite web|title=2023 American Association All-Star Teams|url=https://aabaseball.com/2023-american-association-all-star-teams/|access-date=April 6, 2024|website=aabaseball.com|date=July 3, 2023 |language=en}}

=Pericos de Puebla=

On January 2, 2024, Sweeney signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 02 de enero de 2023|url=https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-02-de-enero-de-2023|access-date=January 6, 2024|website=Minor League Baseball|language=en}} In five games for Puebla, he went 0–for–2 with a stolen base. On April 22, Sweeney was released by the Pericos.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 22 de abril de 2024|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-22-de-abril-de-2024|access-date=April 23, 2024|website=Minor League Baseball|language=en}}

On May 18, 2024, Sweeney announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7HO0MrO1LK/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== | title=Instagram }}

Coaching career

Following his retirement, Sweeney served as the hitting coach for the State College Spikes of the MLB Draft League. On July 20, 2024, Sweeney accepted a position to serve as a hitting instructor for the Philadelphia Phillies' rookie–level affiliate, the Florida Complex League Phillies.{{Cite web|title=Milledge named Spikes' new hitting coach|url=https://www.mlbdraftleague.com/state-college/news/milledge-named-spikes-new-hitting-coach|access-date=August 16, 2024|website=mlbdraftleague.com|language=en}}