August 2009: batting in the mid-.200s, Sweeney figures he will retire at the end of the season
September 2009: Sweeney re-considers after a talk with his wife, and sets sights on returning in 2010 in southern California or Seattle
October 2009: Sweeney becomes a free agent
January 2010: Sweeney remains a free agent
February 2010: Sweeney comes to camp with the Mariners on a minor league deal but is considered a long shot to make the roster ahead of Ryan Garko; consensus opinion is that Sweeney was brought in to be a veteran presence in ST, and that the Mariners are letting him work out to try and catch the eye of another team
March 2010: Sweeney bats .512, while Garko blows
April 4, 2010: Sweeney officially makes the Mariners' roster
May 21, 2010: Sweeney goes 4-5 against San Diego with two home runs to lift OPS near .900
June 3, 2010: Sweeney placed on DL for first time with back soreness
June 25, 2010: Sweeney starts at first base
June 26, 2010: Sweeney placed on DL for second time with back soreness
July 2010: Sweeney hangs out, does nothing
Early August 2010: Sweeney placed on waivers
Early August 2010: Ryan Howard sprains his ankle
August 4, 2010: Sweeney traded to Phillies to fill in for Howard, then work off bench when he returns
September 26, 2010: Phillies clinch playoff berth
October 5, 2010: Sweeney officially named to Phillies playoff roster
October 8, 2010: Sweeney makes first-ever playoff appearance and singles against Aroldis Chapman
October 10, 2010:
"Here we are," Mike Sweeney says. "This is the most joyful I've ever been in my baseball career."
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Love Sweeney, hate him, or think he's okay, this is about as perfect as a story can get.