Local kudos in store for Swisher
By JESS MANCINIArticle Photos
PARKERSBURG - New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher is the third Wood Countian to have played in a World Series.
Unless someone else who is unknown pops up, the other two were Alfred "Greasy" Neale and Dick "Doc" Hoblitzell, said C. Blaine Myers, local sports enthusiast, lawyer and commentator on West Virginia University football. Myers said he researched the question this week as the Yankees played the Philadelphia Phillies. The Yankees won the series in Game 6 on Wednesday.
Neale, 1891-1973, played outfield for the Cincinnati Reds and led the Reds in batting in the tainted 1919 Black Sox World Series, so named because several Chicago White Sox players allegedly were paid to throw the series.
Neale later went on to coach the Philadelphia Eagles and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hoblitzell, born in Waverly in 1888 and died in Parkersburg in 1962, also played for the Reds from 1908 to 1914 when he was put on waivers and signed with the Boston Red Sox.
At Boston, Hoblitzell played in the 1915 and 1916 World Series, which were won by the Red Sox.
Swisher graduated from Parkersburg High School, attended Ohio State University and made the majors first with the Oakland A's, then the Chicago White Sox and finally with the Yankees.
The Wood County Commission and the mayor of Parkersburg are working on official recognitions of Swisher and his connection to the community.
The commission discussed honoring Swisher on Thursday, Commissioner Blair Couch said.
Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell also is arranging a fitting accolade for Swisher, perhaps a proclamation denoting Nick Swisher Day in Parkersburg.
"I'd like to do something," Newell said.
A resolution may go before the commission on Monday, commission President Rick Modesitt said. No plans have been discussed about an event because of Swisher's hectic schedule, Modesitt said.
"Nick is a busy man these days and has a lot of other commitments," Modesitt said.
Swisher and his father, Steve Swisher, also a major league player and a minor league coach, received a Spirit of Wood County Award in January 2007. A street near West Virginia University at Parkersburg was named by the commission as Swisher Lane.
Pam Brust and Michael Erb contributed.
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Ithink
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11-06-09 11:41 PM
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I don't think it is up to us to decide his business. Think whatever you want, it doesn't matter. He grew up here and his family all lived here except his mother, so to me this is his home.
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FireFighterWV
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11-06-09 11:22 PM
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He is not from West Virginia he is from Columbus.All he did was go to High School here. So let Columbus be his hometown like it should be..
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Ithink
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11-06-09 11:14 PM
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The way I remember it , his dad went to Columbus to college and got married. Nick's parents divorced and his grandparents in Parkersburg had a big hand in raising him. He was very devoted to them and when he looks at the sky when he makes a hit or run, he is remembering them. After he graduated from PHS, he went back to college in Ohio like his Dad had done. He comes home to Parkersburg.
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Uselesstriviadiva
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11-06-09 10:59 PM
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so....how long was he in columbus after being born there? (to list it as his hometown)
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Ithink
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11-06-09 9:33 PM
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I believe both of those gentlemen have been honored many times and very appropriately. Not too many West Virginians get to own a World Series ring. I stayed up every night to proudly watch him play. Even the announcers like him and his down home southern politeness. A very nice and generous young man.
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Kendall78
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11-06-09 9:18 PM
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In regards to Mary Lou Retton and Don Knotts, they were ppl that gained singular fame in their professions. Swisher was a part of a team and wasn't even an MVP (I think). Sometimes I wonder if it's more "he's from Pburg..lets*****in some of his fame" than "he's our hero..lets honor him".
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Kendall78
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11-06-09 9:16 PM
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I've seen ppl mention Alfred "Greasy" Neale and Dick "Doc" Hoblitzell besides this article. Was there a "day" for them? If not..then make a Neale/Hoblitzell/Swisher day for them. Or is all this fluff just for contemporary heroes?
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Ithink
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11-06-09 8:32 PM
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Fairmont has a street named for Mary Lou Retton and Morgantown honored Don Knotts the same way. I think we would be a stingy, inconsiderate, jealous minded town if we don't honor Nick Swisher in a meaningful way. He has brought good attention to our area.
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wpoole2
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11-06-09 7:57 PM
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George Steinbrenner said our players may come from all over the world, but it is New York that brings them together, and it is the city's people whose energy they tap. The Yankees couldn't have become the Yankees anywhere else in the world. Around the world Nick Swisher #33 of the New York Yankees represents Parkersburg, WV. In the history of MLB this has only happened two other times and most likely after Nick retires may not happen again. I bet every person young or old around the world who has ever picked up a baseball has imagined playing in the World Series for the New York Yankees. Come on good people of Parkersburg show your appreciation. Let him know we are proud of him. In fact I have two young boys and if I had a choice I wouldn't want them "To Be Like Mike" anymore. I would want them "To Be Like Nick".
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WVCommissioner
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11-06-09 7:46 PM
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He was born in Columbus, therefore, Columbus is his hometown. The fact of the matter, he and his family have deep roots in Parkersburg. He is playing the game the right way. He started all but one game of the world series and played world series caliber defense even though his batting was off. He is a graduate of PHS and has represented this area well. This is a huge accomplishment from ONE OF OUR OWN. I think honoring him is very appropriate. Shame on those that think Nick isn't what THEY want Nick to be. You all don't even know what you don't know. What worries me is that some of you continue to post small minded blabble and all that it does is reinforce your diagnosis of the cranial rectal disorder.
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Pburgresident
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11-06-09 6:34 PM
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In any bio I've read, Mr. Swisher claims Columbus, Ohio as his "hometown." So, let Columbus, Ohio have the "Nick Swisher Day."
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wriley
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11-06-09 6:27 PM
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I went to first grade with Steve and we often talked about baseball. He went on to make the majors so can only imagine how proud he is of Nick. And yes........Nick defintely deserves the recognition. Like the article said...only 3 World Series players in nearly a hundred years. And let's not forget what Nick has given back to this community behind the scenes. Go Nick.
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reality
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11-06-09 6:18 PM
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i congratulate nick but i am no fan of the yankees and baseball needs a salary cap like the nfl and the nba to even the playing field,but as far as a nick swisher day,i think not.
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Kendall78
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11-06-09 6:03 PM
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"is a huge accomplishment" Perhaps, but nothing so huge that Parkersburg should make a day out of it. And as far as Swisher giving back to the community...there are hundreds that do that but do not get the recognition of a day dedicated to them. I'm not trying to put the man down, but I just feel we need to quit praising every run of a mill semi-hero. Swisher is a good ball player but not a man that has inspired the collective conciousness of the ppl. But hey..if Pburg wants to declare a day to Swish...go ahead. Shoot, it's not like they are doing anything more important.
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JCB1964
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11-06-09 5:47 PM
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Does anyone know that Nick bought the VanDevender and Hamilton Middle School's football uniforms?
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RealityTVLover
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11-06-09 5:34 PM
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Actually Kendall, I think regardless of what team Nick is on, making it to the World Series with a winning team is a huge accomplishment. It doesnt matter if it's the Yankees or the Phillies. I'm still proud of our hometown boy and the fact that he's living his dream. What a great inspiration for our youth!
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Kendall78
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11-06-09 5:14 PM
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I'm sorry, but there should not be a Nick Swisher day. He is a grown man playing a game and he's not even the best at the sport. He isn't a Babe Ruth ppl. While I admire his achievments, if he was Nick Swisher of the Phillies instead of the Yankees...would we even be having this article?
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Betterdays
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11-06-09 2:42 PM
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Wildbill - just what have you accomplished in your life which is as significant as this? Dare I say that you might have a little league or a pee wee football trophy from your younger days stashed in a corner of a closet that can compare to this. And while we are at it, do you contribute anything to society through acts of volunteerism or donations? Hmmmmm..... just wondering.
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GoldNBlue
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11-06-09 1:58 PM
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Some people just don't appreciate a local kid who has done GREAT things. Nick really carried the Yankee's at the beginning of the season when they were struggling. And he is known as a great clubhouse leader, the team loves Nick. Kudo's are indeed in store for Swisher.
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PHSElite
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11-06-09 1:57 PM
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yes indeed Parkersburg is very proud of our own Nick Swisher!
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PHSElite
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11-06-09 1:55 PM
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speaking of Nick Swisher-when he came to PHS to promote Brougton's Chocolate Milk-not one administrator attended! 4 coaches attended-the track coach,girls basketball coach,the cheer coach and one other i cant remember. perfect example of richard lance and ralph board having no clue that the position they have been placed in is a respected one. they couldnt care less and believe me i witnessed it myself that Nick was very disappointed with the administration! just because they dont know him personally or because neither one of them were there when he attended PHS doesnt mean they shouldnt have shown him respect. hince the arrogance of them both!
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Ithink
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11-06-09 1:53 PM
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Congratulations, Nick !! We're proud of you.
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PHSElite
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11-06-09 1:51 PM
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of course richard lance probably wants it named after himself - the arrogant jerk
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PHSElite
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11-06-09 1:49 PM
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i think the baseball facility at PHS should be named after him - that would make a lot of sense dont ya think?
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RealityTVLover
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11-06-09 12:30 PM
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I tyhink its great. And it is a big deal. Why would you read the article if you care nothing about it wildbill?
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