As the 2008 MLB Season officially starts tomorrow, with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, the air will be different. Someone other than Mike Sweeney will be the first through the doors to spring training. Signing a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics, Mike Sweeney is now part of another team since he entered the league, and earned the role of “C”aptain, 13 years ago. He leaves the Kansas City Royals with 197 home runs, 837 RBI’s, just shy of 1400 Hits in 1282 Games.
Sounds pretty impressive until you hear about Mike Sweeney off the field. He and his wife, Shara, started the Mike and Shara Sweeney Family Foundation, concentrating on God’s love and reflecting that in their hearts, marriage, family and care for others. He has changed the lives of many with his overwhelming generosity, and support. Kansas City is a better place for having had Mike Sweeney as a member of the Royals, and the Royals are a better organization for having him as their teammate, and “C”aptain.
Thank you very much Mike for everything you did during your tenure in Kansas City, and being the captain for the Royals. I guarantee that you will be sorely missed, and never forgotten. On behalf of every fan of the Royals, we wish you the best in everything you do. Thank You.