Nick Swisher Will Sit Out Rest of Baseball Season Following Birth of Second Daughter With Wife Joanna Garcia S
Nick Swisher made a rare move in the world of professional sports, choosing to opt out of his minor-league deal during the regular MLB season to be with his family.
The 35-year-old baseball pro -- who was playing with the New York Yankees' AAA team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, following stints with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves -- announced via social media on Saturday that he will sit out the rest of the 2016 season following the birth of his second daughter with wife JoAnna Garcia Swisher.
NEWS: JoAnna Garcia Swisher Gives Birth to a Baby Girl
"After the birth of my second child, I've decided to take a step back and spend the rest of this season full time with my wife and two daughters," he wrote on Facebook and Twitter. "Make no mistake, I am not hanging it up. I love this game with the same amount of passion that I had as a rookie 12 years ago."
"I want to thank the Yankees for giving me the opportunity to return to the organization that I love so much and wish them nothing but success for the rest of 2016," he added. "Despite not being at the ballpark every day, I will continue to train on a daily basis and evaluate my options for next season at the appropriate time."
JoAnna retweed her husband, adding heart and family emojis to his statement.
The Reba alum gave birth to newborn Sailor Stevie earlier this week. The proud parents, who have been married since December 2010, also have a 3-year-old daughter, Emerson Jay.
"So excited to introduce you to our tiniest princess, Sailor Stevie," the 34-year-old actress shared via Instagram on Friday. "She has stolen our hearts and our family feels complete ❤, Nick, Jo, & Big Sister Emme #SSS."
If the photo that JoAnna shared on Father's Day is any indication, Nick's wife and two little girls will be pretty stoked to have him home.
"To say you are loved is an understatement, @yourboyswish!!! Happy Father's Day to you, our daddy's, & all the amazing fathers out there!!!#daddysgirlsforever," the proud mom wrote on Instagram, complete with three heart emojis.
Nick was released by the Braves in March, then signed to a minor league deal with the Yankees. So far, fans have reacted positively to Nick's announcement, mostly wishing him the best of luck and sharing their hopes at seeing him back in the Bronx next season.
WATCH: 9 Celebrity Babies Due in 2016
Barring family emergencies or injuries, it's uncommon for professional players to sit out full seasons, even after the birth of a child. White Sox veteran Adam LaRoche made headlines earlier this year, however, when he retired after being asked to "dial back" the frequency in which he was bringing his 14-year-old son, Drake, to the ballpark.
According to ESPN, LaRoche -- who also has a 12-year-old daughter, Montana -- announced the decicion to his teammates during a spring training meeting on March 15. "I am choosing my son over you guys," he reportedly said in the clubhouse. "I cannot tell you how much I hate that I'm even having to make this decision, and how much it crushes me to feel like I could be leaving you guys hanging."
The Swishers recently made the trek out to Palm Springs, California, to celebrate the nuptials of their friends, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Cutter Dykstra. Get details on that MLB pro-filled ceremony in the video below.