The White Sox made Swisher their number-one draft choice in June of 1973, but sent him to the Cubs in the deal for Ron Santo that December. Though Swisher proved to be a disappointment, in 1976 he was the sole Cub named to the NL All-Star team; a special project of coach Lew Fonseca, he hit well in the first half, and was batting .394 against the Reds, whose manager, Sparky Anderson, chose the squad. Swisher finished the season at .236. Cleveland made him a minor league manager in 1986.