Former St. John’s Baseball Standout Finds Success in MLB and Independent League

Growing up, Mr. Schwindel played baseball with his father in his family’s backyard, and his Little League team often made it to the state finals. “In middle school and at Livingston High School, we had some great teams,” he said, noting that his high school team ranked in the state’s top 10 several times.

Mr. Schwindel lived near former St. John’s Head Baseball Coach Ed Blankmeyer, who watched him play in high school and eventually recruited him for St. John’s. “It was an easy decision choosing one of the most prestigious programs on the East Coast,” Mr. Schwindel recalled.

“We had a lot of great players and teams at St. John’s,” he noted, adding that the Red Storm made it to the Super Regionals of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Baseball in his sophomore year. “St. John’s was the most fun I ever had in baseball—until the big leagues, obviously,” he stressed. “We played the game right and I learned a lot there.”

Mr. Schwindel, who played first base and catcher at St. John’s, was a BIG EAST All-Tournament Team selection. The Kansas City Royals drafted him in the 18th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball (MLB) June Amateur Draft.

When asked about his Minor League Baseball experience, his initial response was, “Long.” Mr. Schwindel played in the Royals organization from 2013 until his MLB debut in 2019.

Following up quickly, he stressed, “It was great, though. I learned the game, learned the grind. I had a couple of really good years—and I eventually made it.”

Finally getting the call to the Majors was “awesome,” he said. “There was no better conversation.” Mr. Schwindel’s first hit was a single up the middle off Daniel Norris of the Detroit Tigers in 2019.

In 2020, Mr. Schwindel signed as a free agent with the Oakland Athletics and made a brief appearance with them in 2021 before the Chicago Cubs claimed him off waivers later that season. 

His jubilant approach to the game was a big hit with Cubs fans, as he enjoyed Rookie of the Month honors in August and September of 2021, with 62 hits and eight home runs with only 271 at-bats. Devoted fans created the Frank Schwindel Army on X, a group whose existence elicits a grin from the athlete when mentioned.

“They’re great,” he said. “They give me so much support and post many funny tweets and direct messages. I heard Chicago fans were the best fans in baseball.”

He added, “I played well and the city really took care of me. It was awesome—right place, right time.”

After appearing in 75 games during the 2022 season, Mr. Schwindel was released by the Cubs and signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball League, playing in Japan for the next two seasons.

“It was unbelievable playing there, and such a great experience. I would go back in a second. They’re the nicest, most respectful fans. The athletes train so intensely and make us look lazy. Their attention to detail and work ethic is amazing.” He said it was not uncommon to see 30,000 in attendance every game.

Similarly, Mr. Schwindel has played winter ball in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, where the fans are rabid as well. “They are so passionate and take it seriously down there. Every game feels like a playoff game. Many big leaguers go down there to get in some work. Baseball has taken me to a lot of crazy places—but I wouldn’t trade any of it.”

Signing with the Ducks this past year has allowed Mr. Schwindel the opportunity to show he still has what it takes. He earned ALPB Player of the Month honors in June, and was named to the 2024 ALPB Mid-Season All-Star team.

He views independent baseball as a stepping-stone back to the majors. “That’s the plan,” he said. “If I stay healthy and on the field, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible.”

Mr. Schwindel is grateful for his baseball experience at St. John’s. “They put me on the path,” he reflected. “I need to return there because it is such a great program. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

He added, “I still have that fire. I still get nervous before every game. I want to go out and be the best that I can. I want to beat that pitcher every time and drive that runner in. Every time I lace up my cleats, it’s a blessing—because every at-bat could be the last.”