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Swarmer Honored as Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year

Sep 21, 2018 • by Kutztown University
Matt Swarmer

Kutztown University baseball alumnus Matt Swarmer has been named the Minor League Pitcher of the Year by the Chicago Cubs.

Swarmer, a 2016 KU graduate, was drafted by the Cubs in the 19th round following his senior season and has seen his career on the upswing ever since. Between Single-A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Tennessee, Swarmer posted nine wins in 24 starts, holding a 3.22 ERA in 128.2 innings. The Mohnton-native struck out 135 batters and had just 21 walks, notching a 6.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The 24-year old has a career 16-14 record in the minors with a 3.84 ERA in 56 appearances, 41 as a starter. He went 7-5 with a 4.71 ERA in 24 appearances across four teams in the Cubs organization in 2017, and posted a 3.38 ERA in eight games with Mesa in his pro debut in 2016.

While donning the Maroon and Gold, the Governor Mifflin-prep made 63 appearances for KU (t-fourth all-time), starting 20 total games from 2013-16. Swarmer was head coach Chris Blum‘s main option out of the bullpen during the 2014 season, collecting 10 saves, which ranks second for saves in a season in school history.

Swarmer’s 3.11 career ERA ranks ninth all-time and his 14 career saves rank third. As a starter in 2015-16, Swarmer won eight total games, also pitching eight complete games during those two seasons. For his Kutztown career, he finished with 12 total wins, striking out 224 batters over 171.0 innings pitched.

Swarmer will be honored during an on-field ceremony prior to the Cubs 7:05 p.m. CT game Thursday, Sept. 27, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.

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