Ohio State to Honor Nick Swisher with Field Dedication – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 1, 2011
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball program is hosting a ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday at Bill Davis Stadium to recognize Nick Swisher for his generosity in giving the program $500,000 to help install a new turf field. Swisher also will be recognized at halftime Saturday during the Ohio State football game against Indiana.
“I am so honored to be a part of this university and its baseball program,” Swisher said. “I have always held a special place in my heart for my time in Columbus and I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to give back. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my time in Columbus and I can’t wait to see what the new field does for the program, its players and their road to Omaha. What an honor!”
As an outfielder for the Scarlet and Gray (2000-02), Swisher was named 2000 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and twice received first team All-Big Ten accolades in his career.
Greg Beals, Ohio State head coach, said Swisher’s contribution and continued generosity will have a great impact on the program going forward.
“I am really looking forward to Thursday, having Nick back on campus, showing him the facility improvements and thanking him for his continued support of Ohio State baseball. It means a lot to this program that he remains committed as a Buckeye.”
Gene Smith, associate vice president and director of athletics, said former Buckeyes’ support of their alma mater demonstrates the strength of the Ohio State experience.
“Nick has been an avid supporter of Ohio State athletics and especially our baseball program. The new turf field at Bill Davis Stadium will help our team immeasurably. We are so fortunate to have alums like Nick pay forward in support of our student-athletes.”
Selected by the Oakland Athletics with the 16th overall pick of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft, Swisher would also spend time with the White Sox before heading to his current home with the New York Yankees where he was a part of the 2009 World Champion team and named an American League All-Star the following season. In his professional career, the Columbus native has seen action in 1,061 games and has amassed 185 home runs.
