Darnell Sweeney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darnell Sweeney |
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Sweeney with the Oklahoma City Dodgers at the 2015 Triple-A All-Star Game
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| Utility player | |||
| Born: February 1, 1991 Carver Ranches, Florida, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| August 20, 2015, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 1, 2018, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .172 | ||
| Home runs | 3 | ||
| Runs batted in | 11 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Darnell Thomas Sweeney, born on February 1, 1991, is an American former professional baseball player. He was a versatile "utility player," meaning he could play many different positions on the field. Darnell played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for two teams: the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays.
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Darnell Sweeney's Early Life and College Baseball
Darnell's father, who was from the British Virgin Islands, started teaching him baseball when Darnell was just four years old. His dad also taught him how to switch hit, which means batting well from both the left and right sides of the plate.
Darnell went to Fort Lauderdale High School for a year. He then finished his high school baseball career at American Senior High School. In the 2009 MLB draft, the Florida Marlins picked him in the 41st round. However, Darnell decided not to sign with them.
Instead, Darnell chose to go to college at the University of Central Florida (UCF). He played college baseball for the UCF Knights. He had promised to play for UCF even though he later got a scholarship offer from Miami. Darnell kept his promise to UCF.
During his first year, he was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. He had a great batting average of .358, with 83 hits and 17 stolen bases. As a junior, he was part of the Coral Gables All-Regional Team. He was also named a Conference USA Preseason First Teamer. In 2011, he played summer baseball for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Darnell Sweeney's Professional Baseball Career
Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Darnell in the 13th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He was the 416th player chosen overall. In 2012, he played for the Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League. He hit .303 and stole 10 bases in 16 games.
On July 8, 2012, Darnell moved up to the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League. There, he hit .291, had 23 runs batted in (RBI), hit 5 home runs, and stole 17 bases in 51 games. In 2013, he played for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the California League. He hit .275 in 134 games, with 11 home runs, 75 RBI, and 48 stolen bases.
Darnell was then promoted to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts for the 2014 season. He was chosen for the mid-season Southern League All-Star Game. In 132 games, he hit .288 with 14 home runs and 57 RBI. After that season, he played in the Arizona Fall League with the Glendale Desert Dogs. He was even named to the AFL Top Prospects List.
The Dodgers invited Darnell to their major league spring training in 2015. He was then sent to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. He was also selected for their mid-season all-star team.
Time with the Philadelphia Phillies
On August 19, 2015, Darnell Sweeney and another minor league player, John Richy, were traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. This trade was in exchange for baseball star Chase Utley. The Phillies immediately added Darnell to their major league team. He made his MLB debut on August 20 as a pinch hitter. His very first major league hit was a home run! It happened on August 22 in Miami against the Marlins.
Second Time with the Los Angeles Dodgers
On November 11, 2016, Darnell was traded back to the Dodgers. He went with Darin Ruf in exchange for Howie Kendrick. Darnell was assigned to the Oklahoma City team to start the 2017 season. In 38 games for Oklahoma City, he hit .227 with four home runs and 15 RBI.
Playing for the Cincinnati Reds
On May 27, 2017, Darnell was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He played in 81 games for their Triple–A team, the Louisville Bats. He hit .281 with seven home runs and 29 RBI. The Reds organization released Darnell on March 31, 2018.
Time with the Toronto Blue Jays
On April 3, 2018, Darnell signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was assigned to their Triple-A team, the Buffalo Bisons. He was called up to the Blue Jays on June 29. This happened when Steve Pearce was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Darnell was sent back to Triple-A on July 5, 2018. He was recalled by the Blue Jays on July 31, but then designated for assignment on August 2. He became a free agent on October 2.
Independent League Baseball
Darnell continued his career in independent baseball leagues.
- Kansas City T-Bones: On February 12, 2019, Darnell signed with the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. In 23 games, he hit .288 with four home runs and nine RBI.
- Pittsburgh Pirates Organization: On June 12, 2019, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization bought Darnell's contract. He played 45 games for their Double–A and Triple–A teams. He became a free agent again on November 4.
- Winnipeg Goldeyes: On January 31, 2020, Darnell re-signed with the Kansas City T-Bones. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the T-Bones did not play that season. Darnell was then drafted by the Winnipeg Goldeyes. In 60 games, he hit .277 with 14 home runs and 38 RBI.
- Kansas City Monarchs: After the 2020 season, Darnell returned to the Kansas City T-Bones. The team later changed its name to the Kansas City Monarchs. In 2021, Darnell played 97 games, hitting .262 with 19 home runs and 69 RBI. In 2022, he played 92 games for the Monarchs and was named an All-Star. He hit .321 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI. He was released on October 27, 2022.
- Sioux Falls Canaries: On May 2, 2023, Darnell signed with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Professional Baseball. In 98 games, he batted .283 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI. He was also named an All–Star for the Canaries that season.
- Pericos de Puebla: On January 2, 2024, Darnell signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League. He played five games before being released on April 22.
On May 18, 2024, Darnell Sweeney announced that he was retiring from professional baseball.
Darnell Sweeney's Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Darnell Sweeney started a new career in coaching. He became the hitting coach for the State College Spikes in the MLB Draft League. On July 20, 2024, Darnell accepted a new job. He became a hitting instructor for the Philadelphia Phillies' rookie–level team, the Florida Complex League Phillies.
