GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Nick Swisher has returned to his first spring training with the Cleveland Indians after attending his mother’s funeral in Ohio.
Swisher said Sunday that it was comforting to be back around his teammates. He had left the club on Thursday following the death of his mother, Lillian Marie Malizia, who died in Columbus, Ohio from leukemia. She was 63.
Swisher was in good spirits as he resumed baseball activities with the Indians, who signed him to a $56 million, four-year contract. The 32-year-old Swisher batted .272 with 24 homers and 93 RBIs for the Yankees last season. He played mostly in the outfield for New York, but will be Cleveland’s primary first baseman. The Indians signed free agent Michael Bourn last week and will play him in center with Drew Stubbs in right and Michael Brantley in left.
