Dave Swanson graduated from Berlin High in 1991. He excelled in both basketball and baseball. On the basketball court he was a member of the varsity team all four years. In 1989 and 1990 he was recognized with the Basketball Foul Shooting Award. In 1990 and 1991 he was All Northwest Conference and won the Coaches Award both years.

Baseball is where he really made a name for himself and received much recognition. He was a varsity player all four years. In 1990 and 1991 he was a member of the All Northwest Conference Baseball Team. He was selected as the 1991 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year and also the Gatorade Northeast Region Baseball Player of the Year. That year he was also a CHSCA Courant All State selection.

In 1991 Dave was selected by the New York Mets in the 9th round, the 252nd selection overall. Between 1991 and 1995 he pitched in the minor leagues with the Mets and the Colorado Rockies. From 1999 to 2001 he pitched in the Independent League. In 8 minor league seasons he compiled a 44-37 record with a 3.72 era in 172 games.

In 2002 Dave started Swanson’s Professional Baseball and Softball Instructional School. He also produces the K-zone for ESPN’s Sunday and Wednesday night baseball. He is also the pitching coach for Northwest Catholic which is coached by former Berlin High School alumnus Cory Carlson and Jason Maule. Dave resides in East Berlin and is married to Sharon.