Mike Sweeney is five-time American League All-Star first baseman and designated hitter who currently serves as the captain of the Kansas City Royals. Sweeney has played his entire 11-year Major League career with Kansas City and is considered the Royals’ first true superstar since Hall-of-Famer George Brett. 

Early in 1999, the Royals told Sweeney he was going to be traded, but he defied the odds and not only made the team but became the club’s regular first baseman, batting .322 with 20 home runs and 102 RBIs. In 2002, Sweeney hit a blistering .340, finishing second in the American League batting race. Heading into the 2007 season, he is a .302 career hitter and has 190 homers with 799 RBIs.

Sweeney is as likeable a player as there is in baseball and was voted the “Good Guy in Sports” by The Sporting News in both 2003 and 2004. In 2005, he was named the winner of the Players Choice Man of the Year Award for his on-field performance and commitment to various charitable causes off the field. Sweeney made his acting debut on Saturday Night Live with Helen Hunt following the 1997 season.

At age 17, Sweeney led his Ontario High School baseball team to a perfect 26-0 record and a California state championship. Out of high school, he was selected in the 10th round of the 1991 Major League draft by Kansas City.

In 2002, Sweeney married Shara Nettles, the daughter of former Major Leaguer Jim Nettles, and is blessed with two children, Michael and McKara.

Sweeney is a devout Catholic who is dedicated to helping kids learn about Christ through baseball. In November 2006, he and his family visited the Vatican and attended Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly general audience. Sweeney and his wife founded The Mike and Shara Sweeney Family Foundation, which is dedicated to sharing three basic themes of love, family and youth.