Royals 2004 Star Series: Mike Sweeney


The 2004 season for baseball in Kansas City was one that was full of stars that couldn't put a winning product on the field. Kansas City had well known names on the roster that year including first baseman Mike Sweeney. The Royals drafted Sweeney in 1991 out of high school as a catcher. The 21-year old Royals prospect made his major league debut on September 14, 1995 as a catcher against the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland. Although the Royals drafted Sweeney as a catcher, the team wasn't impressed with his skills behind the plate; however, the franchise liked his bat. Following the end of his catching days with the Royals, Sweeney made the transition to designated hitter in 1999 due to the fact he couldn’t stay healthy. Sweeney's inability to stay on the field led the Royals to start shopping him that same season. Fortunately the Royals were unable to find a taker for Sweeney in 1999 during spring training, so the team was then forced to play the first baseman at first base and designated hitter. Although 2005 was Sweeney's best, 2004 was one that surrounded him with many all-stars such as Carlos Beltran, Kevin Appier, Zack Greinke, Johnny Damon and others. Kansas City and Sweeney were entering year three of their five year $55 million dollar agreement in 2004. Unfortunately, the contract didn't work out for the Royals or Sweeney. During the 2004 season, the Royals saw Sweeney battle multiple injuries. Despite the injuries Sweeney faced, the first baseman was able to appear in 106 games for the team. Although Sweeney's injuries led to him leaving the Royals and finishing his career with the Phillies, he was definitely a fan during the dark days of Royals baseball, and he is a member of the Royals hall of fame.

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