Sweeney can’t stop grinning

MIAMI – This is the face of someone who has spent 16 seasons in the majors without ever experiencing a pennant race: a grinning Mike Sweeney, racing around the visitors’ clubhouse at Sun Life Stadium to hug his new teammates.

The 37-year-old first baseman, well past his prime and well aware of it, is grateful for every moment, however big or small a role he may play.

“It’s a dream come true,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney joined the Phillies on Thursday after being acquired in a trade Wednesday from Seattle. He could see regular time at first base with Ryan Howard on the disabled list with a sprained left ankle.

But really, Sweeney is just happy to be on a contending team. It will be motivation, Charlie Manuel said, but Sweeney isn’t a guy who needs much.

“From what I’ve seen of him, just being able to get at-bats, every time he goes up to hit is motivation for him,” the manager said. “He likes to hit. He talks hitting all the time.”

The closest Sweeney ever came to the postseason was 2003, when the Royals were in first place in the American League Central as late as Aug. 29. Kansas City finished seven games back.

The chance is especially sweet for Sweeney considering how his last month went. He had been on the disabled list since June 25 with back spasms.

“I spent about 30 days just biding time,” Sweeney said. “I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I knew that I had a great peace about it. So I went down to my rehab assignment and worked hard.”

It paid off when Sweeney received a phone call from general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Wednesday welcoming him to the Phillies.

Sweeney said he had spoken to former Phillie Cliff Lee during the season in Seattle (before Lee was traded to Texas) about playing in Philadelphia.

“He said it was the most fun he ever had,” Sweeney said. “Great teammates, great clubhouse.”