Brian Sweeney
Minor league coach, Philadelphia Phillies; former Major League Pitcher
• Hometown: Yonkers
• Residence: Saratoga County
What are you listening to on the radio?
Christian radio. My favorite artists are Need To Breathe and the Newsboys.
What are you watching on TV?
“The Walking Dead,” and I’ve been watching “State of Affairs.” My wife makes me watch “The Apprentice.” And “Chopped” on the Food Network — my wife doesn’t make me watch that. I like it.
What books have you been reading?
“The Mental Game of Coaching” by Harvey Dorfman. He’s brilliant. I’ve read all of his books. Greg Maddux was a huge disciple of him.
What was the last movie you saw?
We saw “American Sniper.” It was just very humbling. While I’m here coaching (in the Philadelphia Phillies organization), he was over there deciding whether or not to pull the trigger.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I definitely do everything my kids want me to do. Besides that, I play guitar and I hunt.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My dad was a Yonkers firefighter, and on the day of my Major League debut, he was at a firefighters picnic. When I came into the game, they picked him up and brought him into a room and placed him in front of the TV to watch me pitch. The other firefighters told me what an honor it was to be around him when he saw me out there.
What three items would you need on a deserted island?
My Bible, water and my family.
What would your last meal be?
For my appetizer, I’d start with Maryland blue crabs “Sweeney style” — the way my family like to cook it — and then chicken parmesan to finish.
What is a surprising fact about you?
I sleep with a blanket over my eyes.
