R. J. Swindle
Encyclopedia
Robert Joseph "R. J." Swindle (born July 7, 1983, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
) is a Canadian
professional baseball
pitcher
who is a free agent.
Swindle throws five pitches: a fastball
, slider
, change-up, cutter
, and a 55 mph curveball
with a delivery between three-quarters and sidearm. He graduated from University High School
in Orlando, Florida
.
, where he was 21–13 over his three seasons playing for the Buccaneers. His strongest season was , when he posted a 10–4 record as a starter
with an ERA
of 1.96. Overall in his college career, he struck out
330 batters over three years, with a career ERA of 3.13.
in the 14th round (425th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft
. He began his professional career as a reliever for the Lowell Spinners
of the New York-Penn League. In 12 games, Swindle posted a 5–1 record with a 1.94 ERA, leading the Spinners in wins
in . He pitched 51 innings, allowing 11 earned run
s and striking out 56, also leading the team in WHIP
. Despite his statistics, he was released by the Red Sox at the end of the year.
of the independent Northern League. Posting a 6–4 record in 18 games (16 starts), he was second on his team in innings pitched with 118⅓, and in strikeouts with 102. Swindle also tossed two complete game
s for Schaumburg at the age of 21.
organization in June, he posted an ERA of 0.61 in 21 appearances for Single-A Charleston
, earning him a late-season promotion to Columbus
. After beginning with the Newark Bears
in the Atlantic League
, he split the remainder of the year between Lakewood
and Clearwater
in the Phillies' farm system, compiling a 2–2 record with a 2.25 ERA in 44 innings pitched, including 57 strikeouts and only 8 walks
.
in the Phillies' bullpen
; he took the roster spot vacated by Brett Myers
. As a reliever
, he had a 1–1 record and a 2.19 ERA for Lehigh Valley
, after posting a 1–0 record with an 0.54 ERA at Reading
. Swindle was sent back down on July 4 to open a roster spot for J. A. Happ
without playing in a major league game, but returned to the majors on July 7 when Tom Gordon
went on the disabled list
. He made his major league debut the same day, also his 25th birthday, against the New York Mets
. He pitched three innings, allowing two runs
, walking one and striking out three. Batting for himself against Arizona
on July 12, Swindle drove in Eric Bruntlett
on a fielders' choice for his first major league RBI
in his second career at-bat. However, the Phillies optioned him back to Lehigh Valley the next day, July 13, in favor of Joe Bisenius
.
on November 25, 2008, for the season.
On August 7, Swindle was designated for assignment by the Brewers, and was claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays
. However, the Rays designated him for assignment the following day.
On August 12, 2009 Swindle was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians
.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
) is a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who is a free agent.
Swindle throws five pitches: a fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
, slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
, change-up, cutter
Cutter (baseball)
In baseball, a cutter, or cut fastball, is a type of fastball which breaks slightly toward the pitcher's glove side as it reaches home plate. This pitch is somewhere between a slider and a fastball, as it is usually thrown faster than a slider but with more motion than a typical fastball. Some...
, and a 55 mph curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
with a delivery between three-quarters and sidearm. He graduated from University High School
University High School (Orlando)
University High School is a public high school in Orlando, Florida opened in 1990. The school is one of many public high schools in Orange County and is located about a mile from UCF. University High School has an International Baccalaureate program and a Global Technologies magnet program, which...
in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
.
College career
Swindle attended Charleston Southern UniversityCharleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University, founded in 1964 as Baptist College, is an independent comprehensive university located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston Southern enrolls a maximum of 3,200 students. Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the university's mission is...
, where he was 21–13 over his three seasons playing for the Buccaneers. His strongest season was , when he posted a 10–4 record as a starter
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
with an ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
of 1.96. Overall in his college career, he struck out
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
330 batters over three years, with a career ERA of 3.13.
2004
Swindle was selected by the Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
in the 14th round (425th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft
2004 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 7 and 8. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams...
. He began his professional career as a reliever for the Lowell Spinners
Lowell Spinners
The Lowell Spinners are a Short-Season A minor league baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.-History:Founded in 1996 after Clyde Smoll moved the Elmira Pioneers to Lowell, Massachusetts, the Spinners play in the New York - Penn League, which has a Short-Season A classification with 76 games a...
of the New York-Penn League. In 12 games, Swindle posted a 5–1 record with a 1.94 ERA, leading the Spinners in wins
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
in . He pitched 51 innings, allowing 11 earned run
Earned run
In baseball, an earned run is any run for which the pitcher is held accountable . Any runner who tags his base and reaches home plate is scored against the pitcher as an earned run...
s and striking out 56, also leading the team in WHIP
Walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. It is a measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base...
. Despite his statistics, he was released by the Red Sox at the end of the year.
2005
In , Swindle played for the Schaumburg FlyersSchaumburg Flyers
The Schaumburg Flyers were a professional baseball team based in Schaumburg, Illinois, in the United States. The Flyers were to be a charter member of the North American League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, however, the team folded in March of 2011, before they began play in...
of the independent Northern League. Posting a 6–4 record in 18 games (16 starts), he was second on his team in innings pitched with 118⅓, and in strikeouts with 102. Swindle also tossed two complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
s for Schaumburg at the age of 21.
2006–07
Swindle started his season with the Flyers as a member of their starting rotation. After being signed by the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
organization in June, he posted an ERA of 0.61 in 21 appearances for Single-A Charleston
Charleston RiverDogs
The Charleston RiverDogs are a Minor League Baseball team based in Charleston, South Carolina. They play in the class A South Atlantic League and are an affiliate of the New York Yankees. Their home stadium is at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park...
, earning him a late-season promotion to Columbus
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
. After beginning with the Newark Bears
Newark Bears
The Newark Bears are an American professional baseball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Since the 1999 season, the Bears have played their home games at Bears &...
in the Atlantic League
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is a professional, independent baseball organization located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, especially the greater metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League...
, he split the remainder of the year between Lakewood
Lakewood BlueClaws
The Lakewood BlueClaws are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the South Atlantic League, a Class Single-A baseball league. The team plays their home games at FirstEnergy Park located in Lakewood Township, New Jersey...
and Clearwater
Clearwater Threshers
The Clearwater Threshers are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the Florida State League. Since 2004, the team competes in the West Division....
in the Phillies' farm system, compiling a 2–2 record with a 2.25 ERA in 44 innings pitched, including 57 strikeouts and only 8 walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
.
2008
Swindle was first called up to the majors on July 2, , to replace Clay CondreyClay Condrey
Clayton Lee Condrey is a relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. Condrey features 5 pitches: a sinker, cutter, curveball, changeup, and a four-seam fastball.-Early life:...
in the Phillies' bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
; he took the roster spot vacated by Brett Myers
Brett Myers
Brett Allen Myers is a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently playing for the Houston Astros.-High school career:...
. As a reliever
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
, he had a 1–1 record and a 2.19 ERA for Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are a minor league baseball team that plays in the International League. The IronPigs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team plays their home games at Coca-Cola Park, which is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania...
, after posting a 1–0 record with an 0.54 ERA at Reading
Reading Phillies
The Reading Phillies are a minor league baseball team based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League. Since the 1967 season, they have been the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies....
. Swindle was sent back down on July 4 to open a roster spot for J. A. Happ
J. A. Happ
James Anthony "J. A." Happ is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. He is a six-foot-six left-hander. Though his name is James Anthony and his initials are "J...
without playing in a major league game, but returned to the majors on July 7 when Tom Gordon
Tom Gordon
Thomas Gordon , nicknamed "Flash", is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played with the Kansas City Royals , Boston Red Sox , Chicago Cubs , Houston Astros , Chicago White Sox , New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies and the...
went on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
. He made his major league debut the same day, also his 25th birthday, against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. He pitched three innings, allowing two runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, walking one and striking out three. Batting for himself against Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
on July 12, Swindle drove in Eric Bruntlett
Eric Bruntlett
Eric Kevin Bruntlett is a retired Major League Baseball utility player who last played in the New York Yankees organization. He was known for his defensive versatility; he usually played second base or shortstop, but has also played left field. Bruntlett played every position except for catcher...
on a fielders' choice for his first major league RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
in his second career at-bat. However, the Phillies optioned him back to Lehigh Valley the next day, July 13, in favor of Joe Bisenius
Joe Bisenius
Joseph Richard "Joe" Bisenius is an National Major League Baseball pitcher. A 6'5" right-hander, he formerly played in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.-College and draft:...
.
2009
Swindle signed with the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
on November 25, 2008, for the season.
On August 7, Swindle was designated for assignment by the Brewers, and was claimed by the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. However, the Rays designated him for assignment the following day.
On August 12, 2009 Swindle was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
.