Mariemont’s Erik Swanson Announces MLB Retirement

Cincinnati native and former Mariemont High School star pitcher, Erik Swanson, has officially announced his retirement after a commendable seven-season career in Major League Baseball. The right-hander, who turned 32 in September, leaves the mound after making significant contributions as a reliable relief pitcher for both the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, bringing a close to an inspiring local success story that saw him reach baseball’s highest level.

A Local Hero’s Remarkable Journey to the Big Leagues

Erik Swanson, a proud Terrace Park native and distinguished alumnus of Mariemont High School, carved out a unique place in local sports history. He was the first former Mariemont standout to reach the major leagues, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent on the pitching mound. His big-league journey began with the Seattle Mariners in 2019, where he quickly demonstrated his capabilities as a formidable reliever. A particularly special and poignant moment for Swanson and the entire Cincinnati community was when he had the opportunity to face his hometown Cincinnati Reds later in that same debut season, pitching on a field close to where he grew up. This deeply personal connection to the area was further highlighted by his childhood, as he grew up as a neighbor to the esteemed former Reds broadcaster, Thom Brennaman, making his professional achievements resonate even more deeply here in the Tri-State.

Career Highlights: Solid Performances with Mariners and Blue Jays

Swanson spent his formative MLB years with the Seattle Mariners, accumulating 126 appearances over four seasons. During this time, he steadily built his reputation as a dependable bullpen arm, mastering the craft of pitching in high-pressure situations. His consistent and effective performances caught the eye of other teams, leading to a significant trade to the Toronto Blue Jays in November 2022. In his inaugural season with the Blue Jays in 2023, Swanson truly excelled, posting an impressive 2.97 ERA across 69 relief appearances. He quickly became a key component of their pitching staff, admired by fans and teammates alike for his ability to consistently deliver under pressure and secure crucial outs in late innings.

However, the 2025 season presented considerable challenges for Swanson, ultimately impacting his decision to retire. He struggled with a 15.19 ERA over just six appearances, largely due to significant physical setbacks. He battled median nerve entrapment during spring training and subsequently experienced right forearm soreness in April. These injuries severely impacted his ability to perform at his accustomed high level, ultimately leading to him being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in June. Beyond his physical hurdles, Swanson also navigated a profound personal crisis in February 2024 when his 4-year-old son, Toby, was seriously injured after being hit by a car in Clearwater, Florida. This difficult period required him to leave spring training to be with his family during a critical time of recovery. His remarkable resilience and commitment to both his family and his career, despite these immense challenges, stand as a testament to his character.

Erik Swanson’s MLB Career at a Glance

To appreciate the scope of his big-league tenure and the contributions he made, here’s a summary of Erik Swanson’s career with his two Major League teams:

Frequently Asked Questions About Erik Swanson’s Career and Retirement

• Who is Erik Swanson?
  Erik Swanson is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher and a proud alumnus of Mariemont High School in Terrace Park, Ohio. He recently announced his retirement after a distinguished seven-season professional career.
• Which MLB teams did Swanson play for during his career?
  He played for the Seattle Mariners from 2019 to 2022, and then for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2023 until his retirement in 2025.
• What is Erik Swanson’s connection to the Cincinnati area?
  Swanson is deeply connected to Cincinnati, being a Terrace Park native who attended Mariemont High School. He holds the distinction of being the first Mariemont alum to play in MLB and notably pitched against his hometown Cincinnati Reds early in his career. He also grew up as a neighbor to former Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman, further solidifying his local roots.
• What were some of the key challenges Erik Swanson faced during his time in professional baseball?
  Beyond the intense competition of MLB, Swanson battled significant injuries in his final season, including median nerve entrapment and right forearm soreness. Additionally, he bravely navigated a severe family emergency in February 2024 when his young son was involved in a car accident, requiring him to step away from spring training.
• What was his best season statistically?
  Statistically, his most effective season was arguably 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted an impressive 2.97 ERA over 69 relief appearances, showcasing his peak performance as a major league pitcher.

As Erik Swanson gracefully steps away from professional baseball, the Cincinnati community can look back with immense pride at one of its own who not only achieved a lifelong dream of playing in the Major Leagues but also demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and character throughout his distinguished MLB career. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring local athletes.

Mariemont Star Erik Swanson Retires From MLB