Gov. Mifflin, Kutztown University grad Matt Swarmer grateful for opportunity with Lancaster Barnstormers

Oct. 13—When former major league pitcher Matt Swarmer was released by Gwinnett, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, in July, he had little idea what the remainder of his 2023 season would hold.

Shortly after he was released, the 2012 Gov. Mifflin and 2016 Kutztown University graduate received a phone call from the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League, an independent league designated as an MLB Partner League.

While it wasn't the affiliated minors, Swarmer jumped at the chance to play close to home. Two months later, he helped bring another league title to Lancaster, just a short drive from where he grew up in Mohnton.

"It felt almost like the big leagues," Swarmer said. "That was always the team I wanted to play for if I didn't get drafted."

The Barnstormers won the best-of-five Atlantic League Championship Series 3-2 over Gastonia to capture their second straight league title and fourth in franchise history. Lancaster won 7-1 in Game 5 in Gastonia, N.C.

"It meant a lot, especially being close to home," Swarmer said. "Bringing one to Lancaster is definitely something I always wanted to do."

The right-hander started Game 2 of the series and took the loss, allowing seven earned runs on five hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out eight in the 12-3 loss.

Lancaster swept the best-of-five North Division Championship Series against Long Island to reach the championship series. In Game 2 of that series, Swarmer earned the victory, allowing just one earned run on seven hits in five innings.

"I love playing in those atmospheres," Swarmer said. "When my team needs me, I want to always give them my best and help them win in any way possible."

For the first time in his professional career, Swarmer's family was able to easily travel to his games and support him from the stands.

"They've always been there for me since day one, so it's always cool to have them in there," Swarmer said. "I was grateful to pitch at home."

While his family and friends cheered him on at the ballpark, the 30-year-old Swarmer also moved back in with his parents, Mark and Tracy, and made the short commute to Lancaster each day. After pitching for eight different teams across the country in the past seven years, it was a full circle moment for Swarmer.

"It feels weird when you're living at home and playing professional baseball," said Swarmer, who added that he enjoyed having the opportunity to share a meal with family before games. "I never thought I'd experience something that close."

The Barnstormers signed Swarmer on Aug. 10 and the right-hander made seven starts with Lancaster, going 4-1 with a 3.69 ERA in the regular season. He had 52 strikeouts in 39 innings.

"I had never gotten to play close to home," Swarmer said. "It was definitely cool."

With the help of Swarmer, the Barnstormers won the North Division title in the second half of the season with a 37-24 record, as the Atlantic League utilizes a split-season format. Lancaster won its final six games of the regular season.

"We had a great group of guys," Swarmer said. "I knew we had a really good shot at winning this thing."

The title capped an unusual season for Swarmer, who began the year with Gwinnett and posted an 8.07 ERA in 19 appearances, only one of which was a start. His stint with the Stripers marked the first time in his career in which he was used almost exclusively as a reliever.

"I'm grateful the Braves gave me the opportunity," Swarmer said. "It was definitely good to finish the season strong and maybe put myself back on the map again."

Prior to his time with the Braves organization, Swarmer made his major league debut in May 2022 with the Chicago Cubs after spending five seasons in their farm system. Swarmer made 11 appearances, five of which were starts, posting a 2-3 record and a 5.03 ERA.

"You have to be at the top of your game every time," Swarmer said about pitching in the majors. "You have to have a good game plan."

The Cubs drafted Swarmer in the 19th round of the 2016 draft from Kutztown University and the former Mustangs and Golden Bears standout quickly worked his way up the ranks. He reached Triple-A Iowa in 2017 and pitched for the team in parts of four seasons, including in 2022.

"Hard work will definitely take you the right ways," Swarmer said. "You just got to keep believing in yourself."

Swarmer's repertoire includes a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup. He said he prefers starting over pitching out of the bullpen and plans to develop a two-seam fastball or splitter this offseason.

"Hopefully I'll get picked up again, obviously, and keep trying to get to the big leagues," Swarmer said. "I'll keep playing until nobody else wants me."

Whether he is playing in Chicago or Lancaster or somewhere in between, Swarmer is poised to continue his professional baseball career.

"I'm going to keep giving it my all and keep working hard in the gym," Swarmer said. "Hopefully a team signs me so I can keep living out my dream."