CSU Alum Swindle To Brewers

By Mike Lacett
Sports Reporter
Published: November 26, 2008

NEWTOWN, Pa. - The Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to terms on a Major League contract with 25 year old left-handed Relief Pitcher, R.J. Swindle, a finesse pitcher who has averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings pitched and 1.1 walks per nine innings pitched over four Minor League seasons. He throws five different pitches at various speeds and various arm angles, but is most notable for his curveball that routinely crosses the plate around 55 mph. Swindle, who has logged 194 career Minor League innings in the Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies organizations, has collected 226 Strikeouts and 25 Walks during that span, while posting a 1.58 E.R.A.

In July 2008, Swindle made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, the 2008 World Series Champions, making 3 appearances over 4 2/3 innings while collecting 4 strikeouts. Although he compiled a 7.70 E.R.A. during his brief big league call-up, in 3 of the 4 2/3 innings Swindle retired the batters in order, including a strikeout of Mets third baseman David Wright and two strikeouts of Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado.

A 14th round selection of the Boston Red Sox in 2004, Swindle pitched collegiately at CSU where he was a three-time All Big South selection, as well as the 2003 Big South Player of the Year. He was the first player from Charleston Southern University to pitch in the Major Leagues.