Dansby Swanson and His First Home Run [Video]

Being picked first in the MLB Draft put Dansby Swanson on the map. Being a collegiate shortstop with a solid hit tool put him on the fast track. Being awesome at baseball puts you in the limelight.

Last night, Swanson hit his first professional home run as his Hillsboro Hops (Short-A) lost to the Boise Hawks 5-3. The power burst is nice to see given how rough his start in professional baseball has been. One thing is for sure, Swanson knows how to wear his uniform. You can view the video of the hit below. Just look at those delightful high socks and baggy pants. I think I need to go watch Eight Men Out and The Natural this weekend.

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After being one of the last players to sign before the deadline, he was hit in the face in a simulated game by fellow prized prospect Yoan Lopez. He did not fracture anything and only needed an extra couple weeks before being assigned to play ball. Since being assigned to Hillsboro, he is 5-for-29 (.172/.265/.678). He may not be making much contact, but the contact he has made has been strong. Out of five hits, four have been of the extra base variety: two doubles, a triple, and a home run. Add in his 6:4 K:BB ratio and he is already showing signs of handling A-ball pitching.

If he continues to hit with the power and plate vision he has shown so far, he should be moved up to Kane County fairly soon to get a couple of weeks in before the end of the season. There probably isn’t enough time for him to go on a huge tear and get promoted to Double-A Mobile, but the Diamondbacks may be interested in seeing what Swanson is made of.

For now though, Arizona Diamondback fans can feel good about their prized Dansby Swanson. Congratulations, sir, keep the hype train full steam ahead!