Ryan Sweeney Swaps Outfield Grass for the Broadcast Studio
Ryan Sweeney knows exactly how it feels to step out onto a major league field. Now, Cedar Rapids’ own brings that firsthand knowledge to Chicago Cubs fans, not as a player, but sitting under the studio lights as part of the Marquee Sports Network crew. Unlike the usual path that leads retired athletes into minor league coaching, Sweeney’s journey keeps him in the heart of the action—just in a different way. It’s been a meaningful pivot, keeping baseball front and center for the former big leaguer who suited up for the Cubs in 2013 and 2014, and spent nine seasons total in the majors.
Home these days is Naperville, but Sweeney regularly makes the trek to Marquee’s studios near Wrigley Field. Even though COVID-19 might keep him from weaving through crowded dugouts, his perspective still cuts through on-air. Debuting with the Marquee Sports Network in 2020, Sweeney stood out right from the start, rubbing elbows with guys like Ryan Dempster, Mark Grace, Mark DeRosa, and Rick Sutcliffe. These aren’t just some former players—they’re staple names in Cubs history, giving viewers a heavy dose of experience every broadcast.
What sets Sweeney apart is how he translates years of MLB grind into insights viewers crave. While many might assume ex-athletes have a hard time shedding their player mindset, Sweeney embraced the analyst’s chair. He’s grown into the role so naturally that Marquee Sports Network has leaned into his strengths, having him pick up extra gigs off-season and throughout the playoffs. This recognition speaks to his skill: you don’t get extended unless fans, producers, and co-hosts see you as a real asset.
- He brings fresh eyes and recent playing experience to the Cubs community, breaking down plays in a way both rookies and veteran fans can relate to.
- Despite being away from the ballpark more than he likes, Sweeney’s voice is now part of the regular Cubs conversation, from March through October—and even beyond.
- The analyst role provides balance: he remains close to the game that defined much of his life, but manages to do it without globetrotting to minor league parks or facing the grind of coaching.
Before stepping into media, Sweeney stood out in Cedar Rapids at Xavier High School, then climbed all the way to full MLB seasons with the Athletics, Red Sox, and Cubs. Now, his baseball journey comes full circle—he offers stories about clubhouse life, pressure situations, and what it’s like to play under Wrigley’s summer sun. Stories you just can’t fake or learn from the broadcast booth alone.
Broadcasting: A Familiar Game with a New Twist
The leap from locker room to mic can trip up plenty of athletes. The demands are different—less sweat, more spotlight—but Sweeney’s found a rhythm. He doesn’t just rely on old cliches or highlight reels. He analyzes the mental shifts, strategies behind key plays, and walks fans through moments as if they’re right there in the dugout too. That's a boost for Marquee, who make a point of stacking their shows with personalities like Doug Glanville and other ex-pros who’ve got stories for days.
Chicago fans are famously tough critics, but Sweeney’s transition has been flying under the radar in the best possible way—seamless, relatable, and keeping baseball fun to watch between the lines. Even if he’s not hunting down fly balls anymore, his impact on the Cubs community feels far from over. As the Ryan Sweeney analyst era with Marquee Sports Network continues, his unique approach reminds us that the game’s most valuable storytellers often come straight from its very fields.
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