CLEVELAND (AP) — Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was among a group who had lunch with free agent outfielder Nick Swisher on his visit with the Cleveland Indians.
The Indians tugged on Swisher’s deep Ohio State ties — he played baseball for the Buckeyes — in hopes of signing the 32-year-old. Swisher and his wife, Joanna, visited Progressive Field on Tuesday.
The couple, expecting its first child in May, toured the team’s family room, a suite and the clubhouse before the Indians played a video on the scoreboard that included messages from current Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and basketball coach Thad Matta, who encouraged Swisher to sign with Cleveland.
Swisher is mulling an offer from the Indians, who have a hole in right field after trading Shin-Soo Choo last week. Swisher is expected to meet with other teams before making a decision.
