It is rare to have an opportunity to relive your glory days the way Yankees legends do at Old-Timers’ Day. As a key member of the 2009 World Series-winning team, Nick Swisher couldn’t ask for more.
Before the Yankees faced the Braves on Saturday, Michael Kay made introductions for all the former players participating in the Old-Timers’ Day game. Swisher, whose spirit and enthusiasm were never dimmed by his retirement, was introduced as “Swishalicious,” the nickname famously coined by former Yankees broadcaster
John Sterling, who sadly passed away in May 2026.
Hearing that name brought back a massive wave of memories for the MLB All-Star. Sterling originally used another nickname when Swisher first joined the organization, but it never really sat right with him.
“I remember the first time I met John Sterling,” Swisher commented during an interview after Old-Timers’ Day. “The first home run call when I first showed up was ‘Jolly Ol’ St. Nick.’”
“When I caught him after the game, I said, ‘Hey John, do I look like Santa Claus to you? I am jolly, but I’m not old!’”
The former Yankees first baseman revisited old friends in the dugout, shared many stories of his favorite moments in the league, and discussed the current state of the franchise.
“We just have so much fun. You get right back in the locker room and everybody picks up right where they left off. Coffee starts flowing, the crossword puzzles are out, people are talking shop, it’s just an amazing opportunity to be a part of. ”
Swisher is still deeply involved with the Yankees organization and often provides analysis on what needs to get done to get another shot at a World Series title. You can likely find him either visiting old friends at Yankee Stadium, sharing his takes on YES Network, or spending time with his wife JoAnna and daughters Emme and Sailor.
