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Mike Sweeney Finds Stardom in K.C.(Baseball player)
Kansas City first baseman excelled with bat in 2000 by hitting .333 with 206 hits, 29 home runs and 144 RBI
MIKE SWEENEY WAS ON THE FAST track to obscurity two years ago.
As a journeyman catcher with the losing, small-market Royals, Sweeney was exactly the kind of player who performs with little notice and is forgotten the day his career ends.
There was nothing in his record that hinted at a much brighter future. Sweeney's prospects were so uncertain prior to the 1999 season that rumors of a trade or even a demotion to the minors were in the air.
Despite the trade talk, Sweeney began the season as a backup catcher and occasional designated hitter in Kansas City. The opportunity that lifted him to stardom was just weeks away.
After battling back problems for several years, first baseman Jeff King retired on May 24. Desperate for a replacement, manager Tony Muser gave Sweeney a shot at the job even though he had no experience at the position.
While his transition to the defensive side of the job was a struggle, Sweeney blossomed at the plate. He hit .322 with 44 doubles, 22 home runs and 102 RBI.
- A little pain won't stop Royals' Mike Sweeney.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Posanski, Joe June 26, 2001 700+ words
KANSAS CITY _ Mike Sweeney believes in miracles, of course...This pain isn't going anywhere. Mike Sweeney has a small tear in his Achilles...when you find out what's inside. "Mike Sweeney is not the kind of guy who will stand...
- Ready for Battle: Royals' Mike Sweeney A Warrior on the Field.(Kansas City...
- Magazine article from: Baseball Digest KAEGEL, DICK November 1, 2001 700+ words
...Guy, either HERE'S A SIDE OF MIKE SWEENEY that Royals fans never see. After...said with an impish grin. Yep, Mike Sweeney can get hot as a boiler. Sweeney...California. His father, "big" Mike Sweeney, had to go back more than 20 years...
- Mike Sweeney embarks on final days in quest for batting title.(Knight Ridder...
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Kaegel, Dick September 23, 2002 700+ words
...dead or juiced. On Tuesday night, Mike Sweeney of the Royals embarks on the final...be, that's all," he said. Sweeney is trying to become just the 56th...Garciaparra have repeated in that time. Sweeney consistently downplays his statistics...
- My worst weekend... Mike Sweeney; Radio presenter Mike Sweeney talks to CARMEN...
- Newspaper article from: The Mirror (London, England) March 1, 2002 700+ words
Byline: CARMEN REID Capital Gold DJ Mike Sweeney still bears the scars of a traumatic weekend he lived...holiday of a lifetime I'd been hoping for." Mike Sweeney's show is on Capital 1548 Gold daily from 10pm until...
- Mike Sweeney Named 2007 Hutch Award Winner.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire November 16, 2007 700+ words
...PRNewswire/ -- Five-time All-Star Mike Sweeney will receive the 2007 Hutch Award...Hutchinson, both on and off the field. Sweeney, a player for the Kansas City Royals...Award is an amazing honor for me," Sweeney said. "It's one of the best...
- Mark Grudzielanek and Mike Sweeney homered in a six-run [Derived headline]
- Newspaper article from: Burlington County Times Tucker, Doug June 9, 2007 700+ words
...Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mark Grudzielanek and Mike Sweeney homered in a six-run second inning to power Kansas...while with Seattle and Chicago, walked Mark Teahen and Sweeney lined a 3-2 pitch into the visitors bullpen. Gathright...
- STAR OF THE DAY MIKE SWEENEY, ROYALS.(Sports)
- Newspaper article from: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, WA) April 8, 2000 700+ words
He hit two homers, driving in four runs, as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins, 10-6. Sweeney was 3-for-5 in the game. Quote of the Day ``I'm close to being the superstar I used to be.'' - outfielder Ruben Sierra...
- Sweeney keeps putting doubles up on his resume.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Posnanski, Joe May 19, 2001 700+ words
KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Mike Sweeney forgot. He's a doubles guy...harnessed the energy created by Mike Sweeney swinging the bat, you could have...Allard Baird says, "when you see Mike Sweeney swinging at a pitch above his shoulders...