Bill Swift

William Charles Swift (born October 27, 1961) is an American former professional baseball right-handed pitcher. Swift played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, and Colorado Rockies from 1985 to 1998. Known for his exceptional control and sinker, Swift achieved his greatest success with San Francisco, leading the National League in earned run average in 1992 and finishing as runner-up for the Cy Young Award in 1993.

Early life and family

Swift was born in Portland, Maine, and raised in nearby South Portland as the 14th of 15 children born to Herb and Dorothy Swift. Originally recruited as an outfielder, Swift was converted to pitcher by head coach John Winkin, a decision that transformed his athletic career. The team won the silver medal after losing to Japan in the final. Swift was inducted into the inaugural class of the New England Baseball Hall of Fame on January 25, 2015.

Following his retirement, Swift served as baseball coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy in Phoenix, Arizona from 2001 to 2013.

In 2013, Swift was hired as head baseball coach at Arizona Christian University. During his five-year tenure, he compiled 89 wins, the most of any coach in school history, while building the program's competitiveness and reputation.

Personal life

Swift married Michelle Kenney, a University of Maine student from Madison, Maine, following his rookie season in 1985. The couple has three daughters: Aubrey, Mackenzie, and Brynlie. The family resides in Arizona, where Swift has remained active in baseball coaching and instruction.

Despite opportunities to coach at the professional level, Swift has chosen to remain focused on amateur baseball and family life. When asked about potential major league coaching positions, he explained, "It's a grind... They don't make a lot of money and it's a long day and you're away from your family. At this point I have no desire for that again."

Legacy and honors

Swift's achievements have been recognized through numerous honors: Inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame (1994) Inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame (2000) Named sixth greatest athlete from Maine by Sports Illustrated (1999) Inducted into the New England Baseball Hall of Fame (2015) Inducted into the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame (1991) Number 8 jersey retired by University of Maine