MONARCHS WELCOME BACK SWEENEY
Kansas City fan favorite and right-handed slugger Darnell Sweeney has signed with the Monarchs for the 2022 season announced American Association Manager of the Year Joe Calfapietra on Wednesday. The versatile Sweeney played all around the playing field – 62 games at third base / 13 games in centerfield / 11 games at second base / 10 games at shortstop and one game as a designated hitter and in rightfield. He hit .262 during that 2021 Championship campaign. In the playoffs Sweeney hit .476, played in all 6 games scoring 10 runs, hit 3 home runs in 2 straight games and had 7 runs batted in and walked 7 times as the Monarchs swept their way to an American Association League Championship.
“I am really excited to be back and get a chance to go back-to-back. To put that Monarchs uniform on for the first year back was amazing and to win it all was amazing” expressed Sweeney. “I’m gonna be back KC” said the former Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jay infielder.
In 2021 Sweeney tied for team lead in runs scored with 76 and his 28 doubles led ballclub. His 19 home runs were a career high and put him second on the team. In addition, he led the club in stolen bases with 22 while knocking in 69 runs.
Calfapietra added “The organization is very happy to have Darnell back. He was a major component to our Championship season both on and off the field. We are looking forward to starting another successful run with him in 2022.”