Definition
Blake Swihart (born June 24, 1992) is an American professional baseball player who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a catcher, first baseman, and outfielder.
Overview
Swihart was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Westland High School in Westland, Michigan. In July 2012, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies as the player to be named later in the Hunter Pence trade. He progressed through the Phillies’ minor‑league system and made his MLB debut on July 8, 2015, against the New York Mets. Swihart spent parts of four seasons (2015–2018) with Philadelphia, serving primarily as a backup catcher and occasional first baseman/outfielder.
After the 2018 season, he signed a one‑year contract with the Kansas City Royals and appeared in 31 games in 2019. He subsequently signed minor‑league deals with the Toronto Blue Jays (2020), Chicago Cubs (2021), and Baltimore Orioles (2022), spending most of those seasons at the Triple‑A level. As of the 2023 season, Swihart remains a free agent, with his most recent MLB appearance recorded in 2022.
Career MLB statistics (through the end of the 2022 season) include a .224 batting average, 19 home runs, and 75 runs batted in across 322 games.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Swihart” is of Germanic origin, likely derived from a variant of the German name Schweihart or Schweiger, which historically meant “one who swears” or “oath‑taker.” The name entered North America with German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Characteristics
- Position(s): Primarily catcher; also played first base, left field, and designated hitter.
- Bats/Throws: Right‑handed batters and throwers.
- Physical profile: Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and 210 lb (95 kg).
- Playing style: Known for defensive versatility, especially his ability to handle multiple positions. Offensively, he is characterized as a contact hitter with moderate power, capable of driving the ball to all fields.
- Notable achievements:
- First major‑league home run on June 17, 2017, off pitcher Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.
- Contributed to the Phillies’ 2018 National League East division title as a utility player.
Related Topics
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Kansas City Royals
- Minor league baseball (Triple‑A, Double‑A)
- Baseball positions: catcher, first baseman, outfielder
- 2012 Hunter Pence trade (Cleveland Indians ↔ Philadelphia Phillies)
All information presented is based on publicly available records and reputable sports databases.