Swishalicious

In my Issues in Sports Media class we have been talking about athletes as roles models. We as a society expect athletes to act as such. Is that fair we have that expectation? The job of an athlete is to go and play the game, I mean that is what they are getting paid to do. Just because Aaron Rodgers can throw a football so many yards or because Derek Jeter can make an awesome play from his backhand doesn't mean they can or should be an awesome parent. I believe very rarely does an athlete emerge as a true role model.

What is a role model? Well it could be someone who helps the community, is involved in charities, is hard-working, has drive and determination, and sets a good example both on and off the field. I think one of those true role models is Nick Swisher.

Swisher is passionate about the game and his charity work and actions off the field. He knows just how lucky he is to be a professional baseball player for a living and counts his blessings being able to do what he loves. He not only has this positive outlook day in and day out, but continues to work hard to keep himself at his best.

'Swish's Wishes' is his charity organization that helps kids who are suffering from critical health problems. The foundation provides support to those kids and helps to make sure they are cared for and comforted throughout their sickness. All of these positive things begin with media coverage. He loves to reach his fans via social media; he has just over 1.2 million followers on Twitter and 81,000 people "Like" him on Facebook. Swisher also does TV and radio appearances.

Nick Swisher, or as his fans like to call him Swishalicious, is a great athlete as well as a great role model. He loves helping people and uses his position as a star athlete to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Although he doesn't have to be a role model, he goes above and beyond to make sure people know how much he loves what he does... on and off the field.