Former Team Italy pitcher and coach Brian Sweeney named Cleveland Indians bullpen coach

Under the guidance and supervision of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, Brian Sweeney has developed a fine reputation as he approaches his third year on the Tribe coaching staff. The former Team Italy pitcher and coach was recently promoted to Cleveland Indians bullpen coach after assisting the pitching coach and the bullpen coach with their daily duties for the past two seasons. Brian Sweeney prepared and distributed advance scouting reports as well as an analysis of upcoming opponents before each game.

As a player, Brian Sweeney was just as resourceful and effective on the mound. The proud Italian American made four pitching appearances for Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. In 3.1 innings pitched, he allowed just one earned run (2.70 ERA). Brian Sweeney pitched professionally for 19 seasons and spent parts of four years (2003, 2004, 2006, and 2010) in between MLB stints with the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners.

After retiring from his playing days at the end of the 2013 season, Brian Sweeney began his Minor League Baseball coaching career in 2015 as the pitching coach for the Rookie League Gulf Coast Phillies. He was promoted to pitching coach for Philadelphia Phillies Single-A affiliate Lakewood Blueclaws in 2016 and remained in that position in 2017. Brian Sweeney also served as the Team Italy pitching coach under Azzurri manager Marco Mazzieri during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti