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The Love of the Game
With 28 Major League at-bats spanning a 13-year professional career, it is what keeps Pedro Swann coming back to the park.

By Dan Hickling
Minor League News

08.26.04 - OTTAWA -- Mention the name "Pedro" and to about 99 percent of the known baseball universe, it'll conjure up visions of world class pitching and plenty of whining to match. However, north of the border in the Canada's capital city, another Pedro comes to play everyday. Ottawa Lynx left fielder Pedro Swann performs on a much smaller stage, and goes about his business more quietly, but is no less dedicated to his craft. "From Day 1 of Spring Training, I've never seen this guy give away an at bat," said Ottawa manager Tim Leiper, leading the charge of Swann's admirers. " He's a great person."

The only thing Swann does give away is his ego. The soft-spoken native of Wilmington, Del., speaks easily but earnestly about his role with the Lynx.

Even at age 33, with 13 years of pro ball behind him, Swann carries no grudges, grinds no axes, and doesn't care where in the batting order Leiper writes his name. Just so long as he's in there.

"Leip is the manager, and wherever he puts me, I'm just going to go out there and do my job," Swann said. "Wherever he's put me so far this year, I've been successful. I'm not going to question any of his decisions. If I'm hitting ninth, I'll do that. If I'm leading off, I'll do that. It's no problem with me."

It has been a problem for opposing pitchers, though.

A solid hitter that has hovered around .280 for most of his career, Swann has managed to keep that pace this season.

"He's always in the right spot at the right time," said Leiper. "He's unbelievably consistent. He's always putting the ball in play, and doing something."

Swann, who was originally drafted by Atlanta out of Delaware State back in 1991, is in his second season in Ottawa, his fourth stop in the IL.

Although he's had steady success since sticking in Triple-A in 1998, Swann has managed to get just three look-sees in the bigs.

Pedro has played with Atlanta, Toronto, and last year with Baltimore, for whom he hit his only major league home run (off Roger Clemens, no less).

Last year, Swann hit .280 with 10 homers and 53 RBI, and helped lead the Lynx to their first IL playoff appearance in eight seasons.

For that production, and more importantly, for his leadership, Swann was named the Lynx' Most Valuable Player.

Leiper, who rejoined the Lynx this year after managing in the Boston chain last season, said he developed an appreciation for Swann from the opposing dugout.

"Managing against him, I knew he was a good player," Leiper said, "I had a lot of respect for him, but you never (appreciate it) until a guy like that is in your room. You can't outwork him, doing anything; lifting weights, running, anything. He does everything right. He's awesome to have everyday."

Swann said he wouldn't have it, couldn't have it any other way.

"You can't just show up at the field and expect good things to happen," he said. "You have to prepare yourself. If you need work in one area, you come early, and work on that.

"Game preparation is a big part of (how I play). I couldn't just see myself just showing up and playing the game.

By the way, Swann's talents aren't limited to the playing field; he did have a bit part in a movie, once. Which one you may ask?

"For the Love of the Game".

It figures, doesn't it?