Sweeney parts ways with Padres, plots a next step

As he piled up 1,218 games with seven Major League teams, including two laps with the Padres, Mark Sweeney grew as comfortable as possible with the uncomfortable business side of baseball.

Sweeney had to be nimble on the field, shuffling from all three spots in the outfield to first base and pinch hitting. He also had to learn how to roll with the uncertain punches off it.

“I was a utility player,” Sweeney said. “I was a tap on the shoulder from a new situation, scenario or being released. That kind of sets you up in that aspect.”

When the Padres report to spring training next month, Sweeney will not be part of their broadcasting plans for the first time in 13 years. A couple weeks after the season, Sweeney was told he would not be asked to return.

Baseball broadcasting finds itself in choppy waters for those not named the Dodgers and Yankees. The regional sports network model has shown serious cracks, highlighted by the collapse of the Padres’ deal with

Bally Sports.

MLB stepped in to broadcast Padres games, but belt-tightening led to reduced resources and diminished polish. Pre- and postgame shows practically vanished.

Sweeney found himself caught in the financial rip current.

“They said they’re set with the people they had,” he said. “It was a changing climate, is what they said. We all understand what the pandemic has done and MLB taking over. I didn’t think it was going to be that abrupt. I thought it would be reduced, for sure.

“It’s time to look into other things.”

Other things include a gig with another big-league club that Sweeney said is close to the finish line. He wants to wait to talk about it because it’s not fully finalized.

On to the next.

“I’m going to do some pre- and post(game) and possibly some games, so I’ll probably be traveling a little more than I normally do,” Sweeney said. “They’ve offered it to me. It’s something I’m very excited about.

“I’ve also done the national stuff with Fox, and I’ll continue to do that.”

Walking away from Petco Park will be tough, but leaving the seat next to broadcast partner Mike