What was thought to be a normal Sunday of friendly summer softball turned into the shock of a lifetime for so many in Central Park.
Angry Orchard, a hard cider brand based in Walden, NY, approached Nick Swisher on Sunday to help bring some life to the Sons of Pitches, a rec softball team in New York City that appeared to have lost all hope of securing a victory.
They were set to face the Fattened Calves, one of the most dominant teams in the league, and had little idea how to break their 14-game losing
streak. However, once the Angry Orchard team announced that Nick would be joining the Sons of Pitches, it was game on.
“I think it’s such a cool idea that Angry Orchard is not only investing in the winners, but also the underdogs,” Swisher said at the event. “Everybody gets frustrated, but there is always some fun to be found in frustration!”
It was unforgettable to witness the amazement on the faces of almost every player and spectator at North Meadow Ballfield #9. Crowds gathered around the area to watch the former Yankees first baseman take to the plate and crush a couple of home runs into the blaring sun.
Luckily for Swisher, the heat was giving the chunky ball a bit more height than initially expected.
“I learned to play this game through fun,” Swisher said. “If I’m going to go out there, I’m going to do it my way. I’m going to smile and have the best time ever because I know I’ve put the work in the back half. I know I’m prepared to go out and play. When I go out and play, my excitement is infectious.”
Since joining the Pinstripes after getting traded from the White Sox, Swisher contributed to the Yankees’ success both on and off the field. He takes pride in bringing a glowingly positive mentality to the clubhouse while also serving as a leader both at the plate and in the infield.
Despite Alex Rodriguez missing the first month of the 2009 regular season, Swisher stepped up and carried the Yankees’ offense through. At the end of April, Swisher had a 1.144 OPS with a .744 slugging percentage. He also adapted to play right field while Xavier Nady missed the remainder of the season with an elbow injury. As the Yankees continued to generate success and overcame injury challenges, Swisher made his mark as one of the most memorable 2009 World Series Champions. He finished the season batting .249 with 29 home runs and 82 RBIs.
As part of their campaign, Angry Orchard scoured the nation to find one of the worst rec softball teams in America that never stopped showing up and giving their all on the field. They recruited Swisher to participate as an Angry Orchard Super Sub and give the Sons of Pitches a much-needed morale boost.
Swisher ultimately helped the Sons of Pitches gloriously secure their victory, celebrating with cheers and several pours of Angry Orchard. It was an incredible day that helped shift the perspectives of so many players and inspire some tenacity to defy expectations and keep a positive attitude.
