Brian Sweeney embodies the quintessential example of hard work, perseverance and persistence. Sweeney, a local Yonkers product, played baseball at Mercy College from 1993-1996, as a pitcher, infielder and outfielder appearing at every field position except catcher and second base.
During his four years at Mercy, Sweeney established himself in the record books as one of the Flyers’ most invaluable contributors in history. Named All-State and the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1995, he was effective, durable and versatile in becoming Mercy’s all-time leader in complete games and strikeouts, while also holding his own at the plate his junior and senior seasons. His 15 complete games, which include eight in his senior year alone, far outrank his nearest competitor and his 192 strikeouts also top the charts in school history, including a single-season record 72 in 1996. He also ranks second in career innings pitched (224.1), fourth in starts (31), and tied for sixth in wins (nine).
In his senior year of 1996, his career-low 3.22 ERA led a staff that posted the best team ERA in five seasons and which would not be bettered until another 13 years later. At the same time, he recorded a batting average of .336 with a .435 on-base percentage, hitting 11 doubles and adding 14 stolen bases on 16 attempts.
Following his success at Mercy, Sweeney began his professional career with the independent Heartland Baseball League until Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners signed him in September 1996. He achieved his dream of getting to the major leagues in 2003, when he tossed 9.1 innings with a 1.93 ERA and seven strikeouts. He was then traded to the San Diego Padres the next year, during which he earned the win in his first major league start, squaring off against legendary hurler Randy Johnson.
He found his way back to the big leagues in 2006 and pitched as well as ever, posting a 3.20 ERA in 56.1 innings and recording career highs in wins (two) and saves (two).
After a three-year stint in Japan’s Pacific League, he returned to the majors in 2010 and pitched another 37 innings with a 3.16 ERA to round his career totals out to a 4-2 record with a 3.38 ERA.
Since his last appearance in Major League Baseball, Sweeney has spent time in the Diamondbacks’ and New York Mets’ minor league systems, and ended his career in the Seattle Mariners organization with the Triple AAA Tacoma Rainiers. Over his 18 seasons of professional baseball, Sweeney amassed 128 victories.
After concluding his outstanding playing career, Sweeney took up coaching and has served as a pitching coach in the Philadelphia Phillies organization for the past three seasons. The resident of Clifton Park will also serve as the pitching coach for Team Italy in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Sweeney also serves as a pitching coach at the All Stars Academy in Latham, New York, a position he has held since 2004.
Brian and his wife Connie have two children - Ava and Mia.
