Nicknamed “Red,” Swanson was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955 as a bonus baby and, as per the bonus rule, had to spend the next two years with the team. He appeared in just one game in 1955 and nine more in 1956, throwing 13 innings and giving up 17 earned runs. He pitched in 32 games in 1957, going 3-3 with a 3.72 ERA. The Pirates sent him to Triple A the next year and he never returned to the majors. He kept pitching in the minors until 1963 when, at the age of 26, he retired.
Swanson’s first win came against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 18, 1957. He pitched a complete game, giving up four hits and striking out three in an 8-1 Pirates’ victory.
Swanson pitched with Bob Friend, Vern Law, Roy Face, Bennie Daniels, Laurin Pepper and Bob Kuzava on the 1958 Pirates. All of these players have been featured here.
Art Swanson – career stats
