Mike Sweeney joins MLB Network as studio analyst

Secaucus, N.J., March 28, 2012 – Five-time American League All-Star Mike Sweeney has joined MLB Network as a studio analyst. Sweeney will make his debut on MLB Tonight today, Wednesday, March 28 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Sweeney joins former MLBers Larry Bowa, Eric Byrnes, Sean Casey, Ron Gant, John Hart, Jim Kaat, Al Leiter, Mike Lowell, Joe Magrane, Kevin Millar, Jerry Manuel, Dan Plesac, Harold Reynolds, Billy Ripken, John Smoltz, Dave Valle and Mitch Williams as analysts at MLB Network.

A first baseman and designated hitter, Sweeney batted .297 with 215 home runs and 909 RBI in his 16-year career. Sweeney made his first of four consecutive American League All-Star teams in 2000, a season where he hit 29 home runs and drove in 144 RBI. Sweeney spent the first 13 years of his career with the Kansas City Royals (1995-2007) before joining the Oakland Athletics (2008), Seattle Mariners (2009-2010) and the Philadelphia Phillies (2010). Sweeney was the recipient of the 2007 Hutch Award, presented annually to an MLB player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of former MLB pitcher and manager Fred Hutchinson. 

Sweeney will take part in the All-Star Game festivities in Kansas City this year, participating in the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run presented by Nike, which will take place on Sunday, July 8 in downtown Kansas City. Sweeney has created the “Sween Team” inviting fans to sign up for the race, with Major League Baseball donating all the net proceeds from the event to three charities supporting cancer research and awareness - Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Registration and event information is available here.  

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, featuring the Emmy Award-winning MLB Tonight, live games, original programming, highlights, and insights and analysis from the best in the business, including Bob Costas, Peter Gammons, Jim Kaat, Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds. MLB Network debuted on January 1, 2009 as the largest launch in cable television history and is currently distributed in approximately 68 million cable, telco TV and satellite homes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.mlbnetwork.com.