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Swingman
Swingman
Swingman
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A swingman is an athlete capable of playing multiple positions in their sport.

Basketball

[edit]

In basketball, the term "swingman" (a.k.a. "wing" or "guard-forward") denotes a player who can play both the shooting guard (2) and small forward (3) positions, and in essence swing between the positions.[1][2]

Examples include:

Baseball

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See also: Spot starter

In baseball, a swingman is a pitcher who can work either as a reliever or as a starter.[3] To thrive in this role, pitchers must possess the stamina of a starter as well as the flexibility to work out of the bullpen.[4] It may be difficult for swingmen to settle into the same type of routine as pitchers used exclusively in one role.[5]

History

[edit]

In 19th century baseball, since the vast majority of games were finished by the starting pitcher, the swingman role did not exist. In the early 1900s, as the percentage of complete games fell, relief appearances became more common, and swingmen began to appear. Early examples included star pitchers such as Mordecai Brown and Ed Walsh (both in the Baseball Hall of Fame) as well as pioneers of the relief role such as Doc Crandall and Firpo Marberry.[4]

Through the 1930s, teams continued to use their best pitchers as both starters and relievers. Dizzy Dean, Lefty Grove, and (to a lesser extent) Carl Hubbell were all used as swingmen during this era.[6] In the 1950s and 1960s, strict starting rotations and specific roles for relief pitchers became standard; these trends reduced the prevalence of swingmen.[7] From 1970 through the present day, the usage of swingmen has continued to decline due to the increased specialization of pitchers.[8]

During this era, pitchers may be deployed as swingmen early in their careers to ease their transition to the major leagues, move to a permanent starting role once they are deemed ready, and transition back to a swingman/bullpen role as they decline with age, a career arc exemplified by Rudy May.[9] Swingmen are also valuable in the postseason, when they may be needed to replace a struggling starter early in a game and pitch multiple innings while keeping the score close.[10]

Other sports

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Australian football

[edit]

In Australian rules football, a swingman is typically a player who can play both in attack and in defence, usually as a key position player. Examples include Harry Taylor, Ryan Schoenmakers, Ben Reid and Jarryd Roughead.

Ice hockey

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In ice hockey, a swingman is a player that could play both defenseman and forward, such as Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks, Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets, Brendan Smith of the New York Rangers and Calder Cup Champion Paul Bissonnette.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Swingman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A swingman is an capable of playing effectively in multiple positions within their , providing teams with strategic flexibility. The term is most commonly used in , where it refers to a player who can handle both shooting guard (position 2) and (position 3) roles, combining guard skills like ball-handling and perimeter shooting with forward attributes such as rebounding and defensive versatility. In baseball, a swingman is a who alternates between starting games and relieving, allowing managers to adapt to game situations dynamically. Swingmen are valued for their adaptability, enabling dynamic lineup adjustments to counter opponent strategies and exploit mismatches. In modern professional leagues like the NBA and MLB, the role has gained prominence with trends toward positionless play and multi-role , enhancing performance across various levels of competition including , international, and .

Overview

Definition

A swingman is a versatile athlete in sports who can effectively perform in two or more interchangeable positions, providing teams with enhanced flexibility in lineups and strategic adjustments. This capability allows coaches to adapt to game dynamics by deploying the player across roles without compromising overall performance. The term originated in the mid-20th century and is most prominently used in and , though its core idea of positional adaptability applies broadly to various athletic contexts. Essential attributes of a swingman include a multifaceted skill set that bridges the requirements of multiple positions, physical adaptability to diverse demands such as speed, strength, or endurance, and acute tactical awareness for quick role switches. These qualities enable the player to maintain high effectiveness regardless of assignment, making them invaluable for matchup-specific strategies. In , this often manifests as proficiency between guard and forward roles, while in , it involves alternating between starting and relief pitching duties. Swingmen differ from related concepts like the , who possesses broader versatility across numerous positions, such as covering both infield and in , rather than focusing on a select few. Similarly, they contrast with the "positionless player" in modern , where athletes eschew fixed roles entirely, developing universal skills to handle any on-court function fluidly. General illustrations include multi-position fielders who seamlessly cover varied field areas or hybrid defenders adapting to shifting tactical setups across sports.

Etymology

The term "swingman" first appeared in print in 1965, originating in to describe a player versatile enough to effectively fill multiple positions, particularly guard and forward. Linguistically, it combines "swing," evoking the idea of alternating or switching between roles with flexibility, and "man," denoting the athlete, much like the established labor phrase "swing shift" for adaptable work schedules that emerged during II-era industrial demands. The terminology spread to by the , where it came to refer to a capable of serving as both a starter and reliever, reflecting the sport's growing emphasis on rotational pitching strategies. Later adoptions occurred in in the late , denoting key position players who alternate between attack and defense, as seen in AFL usage from the onward. It has also appeared in contexts for players shifting between forward and defenseman roles, though less prominently than in and . While primarily an athletic term, "swingman" occasionally appears in non-sports settings to describe versatile or multi-role workers, though such usage remains secondary to its sports connotations.

In Basketball

Role and characteristics

A swingman in is a player who can effectively play both the shooting guard (position 2) and (position 3) roles. This versatility combines guard skills like ball-handling, perimeter shooting, and playmaking with forward attributes such as rebounding, post positioning, and defensive length, typically possessed by players around 6'4" to 6'8" tall. Key skills for swingmen include the ability to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter or in transition, switch defensively across multiple positions, and exploit mismatches against opponents. They must adapt to varying offensive schemes, contributing to spacing on the floor while providing secondary playmaking to alleviate pressure from primary ball-handlers. Strategically, swingmen enhance lineup flexibility, allowing coaches to adjust rotations for optimal matchups, small-ball configurations, or to counter zone defenses with their multi-positional threat. Their presence supports positionless trends, where fluid switching and versatile contributions maximize team efficiency. Physically, swingmen require athleticism for enduring full-court play, combining speed for guard duties with strength for forward battles, which helps in maintaining performance across diverse game situations.

Notable players

exemplified the swingman archetype as a shooting guard/small forward who seamlessly transitioned between perimeter scoring and forward duties during the ' dynasty. He led the Bulls to six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, earning six Finals MVP awards in the process. Jordan captured a record 10 NBA scoring titles, including seven consecutive from 1987 to 1993, while maintaining a career average of 30.1 across his versatile role. Scottie Pippen, another pillar of the Bulls' success, embodied defensive swingman versatility as a /shooting guard capable of guarding positions one through four. He contributed to the same six championships alongside , earning recognition for his all-around impact with eight selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team from 1992 to 1999. Pippen's career highlights include seven appearances and averages of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to facilitate and defend multiple spots. In the modern era, adapted his wing play across shooting guard and roles over a 20-season career with the , securing five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. Bryant's offensive mastery included 18 selections and a career scoring average of 25.0 , allowing him to dominate isolations and spot-up opportunities interchangeably. Paul George has established himself as an elite two-way swingman, playing shooting guard, , and even for the and . He earned six All-Defensive Team honors (four First Team) and eight nods, with career averages of 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game underscoring his perimeter defense and scoring efficiency. Kawhi Leonard's defensive switching prowess as a /shooting guard propelled him to two NBA championships, including the 2014 title with the and 2019 with the , where he won Finals MVP in both. Leonard secured seven All-Defensive First Team selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, demonstrating versatility in guarding elite guards and forwards alike. Tracy McGrady brought offensive flair to the swingman position as a shooting guard/small forward, particularly with the and , where he won two consecutive scoring titles in 2003 and 2004. His career featured seven appearances and a 19.6 points per game average, highlighted by explosive isolation plays and a league-record 13 points in 35 seconds during a 2004 game.

Evolution in the sport

The swingman role in emerged during an era of relatively rigid positional definitions in the and , when teams emphasized specialized assignments for guards, forwards, and centers to optimize set plays and defensive matchups. The term itself first appeared in print around 1965–1970, describing players capable of fluidly switching between shooting guard and duties, as evidenced by its early usage in NBA coverage by 1969. Despite these constraints, the fast-paced transition offenses of the began to highlight the value of versatile wings, with athletic scorers pioneering the ability to handle the ball, shoot from range, and defend multiple spots in up-tempo systems. By the 1990s and 2000s, the swingman archetype gained prominence through innovative schemes like the , which rewarded multi-positional skills in creating off-ball movement and spacing. Players adept at operating within this system exemplified the shift, enabling seamless transitions between perimeter creation and interior finishing. Concurrently, the influx of international talent expanded the global talent pool, introducing diverse skill sets that elevated the demand for adaptable wings capable of fitting varied offensive frameworks. Entering the , advanced accelerated the transition to positionless , quantifying the advantages of lineup versatility in metrics like defensive switching efficiency and offensive spacing. epitomized this evolution as the ultimate swingman prototype, blending point-forward vision with forward scoring prowess to drive small-ball lineups and superteam constructions that prioritized hybrid roles over traditional boundaries. In the , data-driven strategies continue to shape swingman usage, with efficiency ratings like PER increasingly reflecting contributions from defensive versatility and switchability rather than isolated positional output. While specialization in elite shooting or rim protection has led to a decline in pure swingmen—who once bridged exact guard-forward gaps—hybrid wings have resurged as essential components in flexible rotations, adapting to pace-and-space eras dominated by multi-skilled athletes.

In Baseball

Role and characteristics

A swingman in baseball is a pitcher who alternates between starting assignments, typically lasting 5-7 , and relief appearances involving short, high-intensity outings of 1-3 . This dual role demands versatility, allowing the pitcher to serve as a spot starter when rotation members are unavailable and as a to bridge gaps in games. Key skills for swingmen include endurance to maintain effectiveness over extended outings, often exceeding 100 pitches as a starter, combined with the ability to deliver high-velocity pitches in scenarios focused on strikeouts. They must also exhibit strong velocity control, enabling quick warm-ups and adaptation to routines that differ from the structured preparation of starters. This adaptability extends to varying pitch counts and game situations, requiring command of multiple pitch types to face batters repeatedly without predictability. Strategically, swingmen provide pitching depth without the need for dedicated specialists, offering flexibility in scenarios such as doubleheaders or injury-depleted rotations. Their presence allows managers to manage workloads effectively, preserving key relievers while maintaining strength. Physically, swingmen undergo hybrid conditioning programs to handle varied workloads, balancing aerobic for starting duties with anaerobic power for bursts, which helps mitigate fatigue and injury risks associated with role transitions. This conditioning emphasizes to sustain high totals, often 150-200 per , across both roles.

Notable pitchers

In the early 20th century, "Three Finger" Brown exemplified the swingman role with the Chicago Cubs from to 1912, amassing 186 wins while frequently alternating between starting and relieving, including 27 starts and 26 relief appearances in 1911 alone. His career ERA of 2.06 highlighted his effectiveness in mixed usage, contributing to four National League pennants for the Cubs through adaptable pitching in high-stakes games. Similarly, of the dominated in 1908 with a 40-15 record and 1.42 ERA across 66 appearances, including 49 starts and 17 relief outings, serving as both a workhorse starter and late-inning reliever during a tight pennant race. Mid-century swingmen included , who with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s secured 133 wins—peaking at 30 in 1934—while mixing 230 career starts with 87 relief appearances, such as 33 starts and 13 reliefs in 1932, aiding two pennants and the 1934 World Series title. , during his tenure from 1925 to 1933, tallied 195 wins in that span (part of his career 300), beginning with mixed roles like 18 starts and multiple relief finishes in 1925 before transitioning toward more starting duties, which powered three consecutive pennants from 1929 to 1931. Later examples feature Rudy May, who over 1970s-1980s stints with the California Angels and New York Yankees achieved 152 career wins, often in swingman fashion, such as 17 starts and 24 relief appearances for the Yankees in 1980 when he led the with a 2.46 . In the modern era, demonstrated playoff versatility with the 2023 Texas Rangers, posting a 4-2 record and 2.79 in 11 regular-season starts before going 3-1 with a 2.90 across six postseason appearances (five starts), helping secure the championship. These pitchers' adaptability enhanced team success in pennant races, with Brown's low in hybrid roles underscoring the swingman's value in maintaining depth without sacrificing strength.

Historical development

The swingman role in baseball pitching originated in the early 1900s amid the (approximately 1900–1920), when complete games by starters dropped significantly from over 85% in 1900 to around 65% by 1909, necessitating more relief pitching. This shift prompted managers to deploy versatile pitchers who could start and relieve, helping manage heavy workloads in an era of low-scoring games and limited depth. The role became common for workload distribution, with early examples appearing as far back as 1908. From the through the , the swingman position peaked in prominence, serving as a cornerstone of pitching staffs during MLB's expansion periods, including the addition of teams in and 1969. Hybrid usage allowed pitchers to log exceptional —often 250 or more per season—while providing rotational flexibility and support in growing leagues with stretched resources. Pitchers like exemplified this versatility, alternating between starting and relieving to handle demanding schedules, including seasons approaching 300 . The decline of the swingman began in the 1970s with the advent of specialized pitching roles, such as the dedicated "fireman" reliever, which reduced the need for multi-role pitchers. Free agency in the mid- elevated pitcher salaries and contract values, encouraging teams to assign fixed roles to safeguard investments and optimize . By the 1990s, advanced further entrenched specialization, promoting targeted units with setup men and situational pitchers, while strict limits (averaging around 100 per start) and expanded rosters deepened dedicated starter and reliever pools. This trend persisted into , rendering true swingmen exceedingly rare. In the , the swingman role saw limited revivals for roster depth, particularly amid post-COVID scheduling disruptions like the 60-game 2020 season and injury waves, where teams occasionally deployed hybrid pitchers to navigate irregular rotations. However, such usage remained exceptional, overshadowed by the dominance of specialized staffs.

In Other Sports

Australian rules football

In Australian rules football, a swingman is a versatile tall player who switches between key positions in the forward and defensive lines, often serving as a key position player capable of contributing to both attack and defense. These athletes typically alternate between forward roles focused on goal-kicking and attacking plays, such as centre half-forward, and back roles emphasizing intercepting marks and defensive coverage, like centre half-back. Essential skills for swingmen include aerial strength to secure contested marks, tackling versatility across different zones, and physical robustness for 360-degree involvement in open play. Their adaptability allows them to excel in high-pressure scenarios, combining offensive goalkicking precision with defensive rebounding ability. Swingmen provide significant strategic value by balancing team structures in the Australian Football League (AFL), enabling coaches to make dynamic in-game adjustments like opponent tagging or increasing forward pressure without disrupting overall balance. This flexibility helps fill positional gaps and enhances tactical match-ups during contests. The role has gained prominence in the VFL/AFL since the 2000s, driven by evolving game strategies that prioritize player mobility and interchange rotations, allowing for greater positional fluidity on the field. Notable swingmen include of Hawthorn, who transitioned from forward (kicking 30 goals in 2016) to defender (winning in 2022), and Tom McDonald of , who shifted between defense and attack, kicking 53 goals as a forward in 2018.

Ice hockey

In ice hockey, a swingman refers to a versatile player capable of seamlessly shifting between forward and defenseman positions, contributing to both offensive scoring and defensive puck control. Forwards in this role focus on generating plays, such as forechecking and net-front presence, while as defensemen, they prioritize zone coverage, blocking shots, and facilitating breakouts. This dual capability is particularly utilized in National Hockey League (NHL) special teams, including power plays where they may join the forward lines for added puck movement or penalty kills to bolster defensive structure. Key skills for swingmen include exceptional skating speed to enable rapid transitions between zones, versatile stickhandling for both offensive dekes and defensive pokechecks, and physical checking ability to engage opponents across all lines without positional limitations. These attributes allow players to adapt to varying game paces, from high-speed rushes to tight defensive battles, enhancing overall team fluidity. Coaches emphasize that such versatility stems from high hockey IQ, enabling quick adjustments to situational demands like 5-on-6 scenarios or alignments. Strategically, swingmen provide critical flexibility in line matching during situations, allowing teams to counter opponent matchups effectively without disrupting core rotations. Their value is amplified in periods, where extended shifts demand across positions, or amid injuries, as they can fill gaps without compromising . In smaller leagues, such as junior or minor professional circuits, swingmen are more commonplace due to roster constraints, but their integration has gained prominence in the NHL since the through hybrid defensive systems that prioritize multi-role adaptability. Notable examples include Brendan Smith of the , who has played both defense and forward in NHL games, and historical figure , who won eight Stanley Cups while switching positions.

References

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  2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/swingman
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Swingman
  4. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/swingman
  5. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Utility_player
  6. https://youreachiteach.com/what-is-positionless-basketball/
  7. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/what-is-swing-shift/
  8. https://tht.fangraphs.com/superduperswingmen-part-3-1950-1970/
  9. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1276891/two-for-one-your-clubs-best-swingman-this-century
  10. https://en.thefreedictionary.com/swingman
  11. https://hoopstudent.com/basketball-swingman/
  12. https://www.owayo.com/magazine/basketball-positions-us.htm
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  33. https://grantland.com/the-triangle/what-happened-to-the-pitching-staff-swingman/
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  38. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Ed_Walsh
  39. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deandi01.shtml
  40. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grovele01.shtml
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  42. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montgjo01.shtml
  43. https://tht.fangraphs.com/superduperswingmen-part-1-1900-1930/
  44. https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-specialized-bullpen-history-analysis-and-strategic-models-for-success/
  45. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29787331/mlb-2020-rules-changes-signal-future-game
  46. https://www.afl.com.au/news/158423/the-death-of-the-swingman
  47. https://www.zerohanger.com/zero-hangers-top-five-swingman-of-the-last-20-years-32777/
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  49. https://www.denverpost.com/2020/01/13/dual-role-players-nhl-defensemen/
  50. https://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/1142640
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