Ron Swoboda – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Swoboda’s name might not jump out at you like Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, but for New York Mets fans, he means something unique. He played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1973, mostly with the Mets as they transformed from lovable losers into world champs.

His journey from a promising rookie to a World Series hero really captures the wild, unpredictable nature of baseball.

Swoboda retired from professional baseball in 1973 after playing his final season with the New York Yankees. That wrapped up a career with 73 home runs, 344 RBIs, and one defensive play nobody will ever forget—it helped secure the 1969 World Series championship.

Sure, his .242 career batting average isn’t jaw-dropping, but he influenced the game well beyond the numbers. People in Baltimore still remember his powerful swing and strong arm, but it’s that spectacular diving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series against the Orioles that really sticks.

From his early days at the University of Maryland to his last years in pinstripes, Swoboda’s story shows the ups and downs of pro baseball in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. After retiring, he jumped into television sportscasting, and his connection to the Miracle Mets keeps him relevant in baseball culture even now.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ronald Alan Swoboda was born June 30, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, to John and Delores Swoboda. He showed his athletic side early at Sparrows Point High School, excelling in a bunch of sports before really focusing on baseball at the University of Maryland.

Family and Childhood in Baltimore

Ron grew up in a working-class Baltimore family, where his parents made sure he learned the value of hard work. His dad, John Swoboda, served as a waist gunner in World War II, then held all sorts of jobs: mechanic, salesman, teacher.

His mom, Delores, worked in social services as a secretary, case manager, and supervisor. The Swobodas put a big emphasis on dedication and effort, which ended up serving Ron well in his baseball career.

Baseball came into Ron’s life when he was just 9. That’s when the obsession began.

Growing up in Baltimore, Ron couldn’t help but get swept up by the baseball culture all around him. The city’s deep baseball roots gave him the perfect playground to sharpen his skills and start dreaming about the big leagues.

High School Years at Sparrows Point

At Sparrows Point High School, Ron stood out as a multi-sport athlete with real, raw talent. He played three sports and showed off his versatility.

Andy McDonald, his baseball coach, worked with him to hone his skills on the field. Ron didn’t just stick to baseball, though. He played basketball and helped lead his team to the State title, showing he had that competitive fire and leadership.

He also played soccer, serving as both goalkeeper and team captain. That probably helped develop his defensive instincts and his ability to lead.

Local scouts started noticing his high school baseball career. Ron played for legendary Baltimore City coach Sterling “Sheriff” Fowble, who also scouted for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets. That connection would open doors for him later.

Playing for University of Maryland

Ron headed to the University of Maryland and played goalkeeper for the freshmen soccer team at first. Still, baseball was always his main focus and his real love.

After his first year at Maryland in 1963, Ron played in the AAABA tournament in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He performed so well there that he caught the eyes of pro scouts—a real turning point for him.

That summer, he put his baseball skills on display for a wider audience. His standout play led to several contract offers from pro teams.

On September 5, 1963, he signed a $35,000 contract with the New York Mets. That was it—he was officially on his way to professional baseball.

Major League Debut and New York Mets Career

Ron Swoboda kicked off his pro baseball life with the New York Mets in 1965. He quickly made a name for himself as a young player with serious promise.

He impressed people with his power hitting and worked hard to develop his defense, which ended up defining his time in the majors.

Signing with the New York Mets

Ron’s path to the big leagues started during his summer break from Maryland in 1963. He played in the AAABA tournament in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Mets scouts took notice.

After his great showing, the New York Mets offered him $35,000. He signed with scout Pete Gebrian on September 5, 1963, and that was the start of his pro career.

The Mets brought him to spring training in 1964. He hit several home runs and turned heads, but the team sent him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, in the International League.

His first pro game was a bit of a rollercoaster. He got three hits, including a home run, in five at-bats. But the next game? He struck out four times. That kind of streakiness would follow him throughout his career.

Rookie Season Highlights

Ron Swoboda made his MLB debut on April 12, 1965, at just 20 years old. He became the first Sparrows Point High School alum to make it to the majors.

He wore number 14 as a rookie. Casey Stengel managed the team and famously said, “He will be great, super, even wonderful. Now if he can only learn to catch a fly ball.” Honestly, that summed up Swoboda’s career pretty well.

Swoboda’s power showed up right away. In his second big league at-bat, he hit a pinch-hit home run over the bullpen wall at Shea Stadium off Houston’s Turk Farrell. He later said it was “the longest ball I ever hit.”

He kept slugging, too. Four home runs in his first sixteen at-bats, and ten in his first ninety. Swoboda finished 1965 with a career-high 19 home runs, which led the Mets and set a rookie record that stood until Daryl Strawberry broke it in 1983.

Development as a Power Hitter

Swoboda’s reputation as a slugger kept growing with the Mets. Sports Illustrated even put him on the cover on May 6, 1968, calling him “Slugger Ron Swoboda.” That’s a pretty big deal.

Some of his 73 career home runs were unforgettable. On July 4, 1966, he blasted one onto the leftfield roof at Connie Mack Stadium in Philly. That same season, he hit a three-run, pinch-hit, walk-off homer to beat the Giants 8-6 at Shea.

His most famous night at the plate? September 15, 1969, against Steve Carlton. Carlton struck out 19 for a new MLB record, but Swoboda still hit two two-run homers off him—both with two strikes. Those home runs gave the Mets a 4-3 win.

During his Mets career, Swoboda averaged a home run every 36 at-bats. His power made him valuable, even though he struggled at times in the field.

Defensive Reputation and Fielding

Fielding didn’t come as naturally to Swoboda as hitting. He worked at it constantly, trying to fix his technique and make the most of his strong, accurate arm.

He racked up 53 outfield assists and finished with a .972 fielding percentage. Swoboda mostly played left field in 1965 and 1966, then moved to right when Tommy Davis joined in 1967.

When Tommie Agee arrived from the White Sox in 1968, the Mets shuffled their outfield for the best fit. Swoboda’s most famous defensive moment came in Game Four of the 1969 World Series.

With the Mets up 1-0 in the ninth, Brooks Robinson hit a liner to right-center. Swoboda made an all-out diving catch and kept the go-ahead run from scoring.

Baseball Weekly later called it one of the “10 Most Amazing Plays of All-Time.” That catch helped the Mets win and pushed them toward their championship, forever tying Swoboda’s name to the Miracle Mets.

Role in the 1969 World Series and Legacy

Swoboda hit the peak of his career during the 1969 World Series. He made one of the most famous defensive plays in baseball and led the Mets in hits.

His diving catch against Brooks Robinson turned into an iconic moment that helped the Mets clinch their first championship.

Miracle Mets Championship Run

The 1969 New York Mets went from being the league’s punchline to World Series champs. Swoboda played a key role in that historic season.

He led the team with 6 hits during the World Series against the heavily favored Orioles. The Mets had just swept the Braves in the NLCS to reach their first World Series.

Swoboda’s clutch hitting was a big reason the Mets managed to get past Baltimore’s tough pitching. The team, once lovable losers, suddenly found themselves on the biggest stage in baseball.

Swoboda’s steady performance helped keep the young team grounded when the pressure was on.

Famous Catch Against Brooks Robinson

Swoboda’s diving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series is, honestly, legendary. It came at a crucial moment, with the Orioles threatening to take control.

The Play:

• Brooks Robinson smoked a line drive to right-center
• Swoboda laid out for a full-extension diving grab
• He robbed Robinson of extra bases
• He kept multiple runs from scoring

That catch kept the Mets alive in a game they ended up winning. Without it, the series could have swung the other way.

Baseball historians still call it one of the greatest World Series catches ever. Swoboda, who struggled with defense during the regular season, showed he could step up when it mattered most.

Impact on Franchise History

Swoboda’s impact on the 1969 championship left a permanent mark on the Mets. His iconic catch became a defining moment for the team.

The Mets even honor him with a steel silhouette of the catch at the right field entrance at Citi Field. That tribute shows just how much that play means to the franchise.

His performance helped the Mets shed their underdog label and become serious contenders in New York baseball. The championship gave the team credibility alongside the Yankees.

Swoboda’s timely hitting and defensive heroics in the Series captured the “Miracle Mets” spirit. He showed that even role players could become legends in October.

The 1969 title is still the Mets’ most celebrated achievement, and Swoboda’s catch remains its most unforgettable image.

Later Playing Years: Montreal Expos and New York Yankees

Ron Swoboda’s career shifted in 1971 when the Mets traded him to the Montreal Expos, ending his six-year run in New York. His time with Montreal was short—just 39 games—before he moved to the New York Yankees for his final three seasons.

Transition to Montreal Expos

On March 31, 1971, the New York Mets traded Ron Swoboda and infielder Rich Hacker to the Montreal Expos for outfielder Don Hahn. That deal closed the chapter on Swoboda’s days with the Miracle Mets.

Swoboda played only 39 games for the Expos in 1971. The limited playing time made it pretty clear he wasn’t part of their long-term plans.

The move was tough for Swoboda. After spending his whole big league career with the Mets, adjusting to a new team and new expectations wasn’t easy.

Tenure with New York Yankees

Just three months after he joined Montreal, Swoboda got traded again. On June 25, 1971, the Expos sent him to the New York Yankees for outfielder Ron Woods.

The move meant Swoboda returned to New York baseball, just not in the same uniform. He spent the rest of 1971 and the next two seasons with the Yankees, sticking around through 1973.

The Yankees ended up being the final chapter of his playing career. The team gave him more stability than Montreal, and he finished his career in familiar territory.

Swoboda played his last major league game on September 30, 1973, at just 29 years old. The Yankees released him at the end of the season, and that officially closed out his nine-year professional baseball career.

Memorable Games and Performances

In his later years, Swoboda’s most famous performance actually happened while he still played for the Mets, but it’s worth mentioning because of its impact. On September 15, 1969, he faced Steve Carlton at Busch Stadium, with Carlton striking out 19 batters and setting a new major league record.

Even though Carlton dominated, Swoboda managed to hit two clutch home runs off the future Hall of Famer. Both came with two strikes, showing off his knack for hitting under pressure.

His first homer in the fourth put the Mets up 2-1. The second, in the eighth, gave New York the winning margin in a 4-3 victory.

That game against Carlton really became one of Swoboda’s signature moments, highlighting his power even against the best pitchers.

Retirement in 1973 and Life After Baseball

Ron Swoboda’s final season with the Yankees in 1973 marked the end of a nine-year major league run that started with promise and hit its peak with World Series glory. After he retired at 29, he moved into television broadcasting and spent decades working in different markets.

Final Season and Decision to Retire

Swoboda played his last major league game on September 30, 1973, wearing a Yankees uniform. That 1973 season wrapped up his three years with the Yankees, after his trade from Montreal in 1971.

At 29, Swoboda got released by the Yankees at the end of the season. The Atlanta Braves picked him up during spring training in 1974, giving him a shot at continuing his career.

But the Braves released him on March 25, 1974, which pretty much ended his professional baseball days. That abrupt move forced him to retire from the sport that had shaped his life.

Two years later, Swoboda tried a comeback with the Mets during spring training in 1976. That last attempt didn’t work out, and it really cemented his retirement from pro baseball.

Broadcasting and Media Career

After baseball, Swoboda jumped into television sports broadcasting in New York City. He worked as a sportscaster on WCBS-TV, sharing his playing experience with viewers in the city where he made his name.

He later moved to WISN-TV in Milwaukee, showing he could adapt his broadcasting style to new markets and audiences.

Swoboda spent years at WVUE in New Orleans, becoming a regular face in Louisiana sports media. He also worked for Cox Sports Television, expanding his reach in the sports broadcasting world.

He called games as the color commentator for the New Orleans Baby Cakes, the AAA club for the Miami Marlins. He kept that role until the team relocated to Wichita, Kansas after the 2019 season.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Involvement

Outside of broadcasting, Swoboda got involved in different ventures that kept him close to baseball and his community. In February 2009, he received the Thurman Munson Award, which recognized his impact on the sport.

He even appeared as himself in a 1999 episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond” with other members of the 1969 Mets. That cameo highlighted his ongoing connection to the Miracle Mets legacy.

On June 11, 2019, Swoboda released his memoir, “Here’s the Catch: A Memoir of the Miracle Mets and More,” through Thomas Dunne Books. The book gave fans his personal take on the historic 1969 season and his baseball journey.

Swoboda has really embraced his role as a keeper of Mets history, especially when it comes to his famous catch in the 1969 World Series. In a guest column for the New York Daily News, he wrote about living with that legacy and joked about “living off of one catch” for as long as he could.

Career Statistics, Honors, and Collectibles

Ron Swoboda hit .242 with 73 home runs and 344 RBIs over nine Major League seasons. He earned recognition as a Topps All-Star Rookie in 1965 and won a World Series championship with the 1969 New York Mets.

Major League Batting and Fielding Stats

Swoboda played in 928 games from 1965 to 1973. He picked up 624 hits in 2,581 at-bats and scored 285 runs.

His best season at the plate came in 1967, when he hit .281 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. That year marked his highest batting average and showed his consistency.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Batting Average: .242
• Home Runs: 73
• RBIs: 344
• Hits: 624
• Runs Scored: 285
• Stolen Bases: 20

Swoboda mostly played right field, but he also spent some time at first base and as a designated hitter. He made 2,924 plate appearances and finished with a .703 OPS.

He started out with the Mets for six seasons, played briefly in Montreal, and wrapped up his career with the Yankees. His defense in the outfield matched his steady contributions at the plate.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Swoboda picked up Topps All-Star Rookie honors in 1965, his first full season with the Mets. That recognition showed he was off to a strong start in the big leagues.

His biggest achievement came as a member of the 1969 World Series Champion New York Mets. Swoboda played a key role in the team’s unlikely championship run, forever known as the “Miracle Mets.”

During that season, he played in 109 games and added 9 home runs and 52 RBIs. His defense and clutch hitting helped the Mets grab their first World Series title.

Swoboda finished with a career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 7.9, which shows his solid all-around contribution. His play through the late 1960s made him a reliable outfielder during baseball’s expansion era.

Legacy Baseball Cards and Memorabilia

Swoboda’s 1966 Topps baseball card still grabs the attention of vintage baseball card fans. Collectors love how this card shows him in his early Mets days.

People who collect rookie cards from 1965 especially value Swoboda’s, since they’re tied to the Mets’ championship era. Cards that show him in his Mets uniform get even more attention, probably because the team pulled off that wild 1969 World Series win.

Collectors look for autographed stuff and game-used gear from when Swoboda played. Anything connected to the 1969 Mets season tends to bring in top dollar on the collectibles market.

Swoboda’s cards cover his years with three teams, so collectors get a bunch of different uniform looks. His Yankees and Expos cards from the early ’70s kind of mark the end of his playing days, which feels a little bittersweet, doesn’t it?