Swanson reflects on journey in Players' Tribune essay

Dansby Swanson made major-league history early in his professional career, and he did it without even playing in a big-league game.

The first overall pick in the 2015 draft was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to his hometown Atlanta Braves as part of a deal for Shelby Miller in early December, making him the first-ever top selection to be traded before the start of his first season.

Swanson discussed the trade and his homecoming in a piece for The Player's Tribune published Monday.

Here are some highlights:

REFLECTING ON NO. 1

Swanson was drafted first overall in 2015 by the Diamondbacks after a sparkling college career at Vanderbilt University, which included a 2014 Most Outstanding Player Award at the College World Series.

The truth is, going #1 doesn’t mean all that much.

I’m not just saying that lightly. Of course, it was a big honor. It was humbling. Baseball is the love of my life and making the Majors was always the big goal.

But #1 in the draft doesn’t have any bearing on what you’ll do next.

Here’s another stat: Ken Griffey Jr. is the only #1 draft pick to make it into the Hall of Fame.

Now obviously, I’m not in the same universe as Griffey. But what I mean is, going #1 doesn’t guarantee you anything. The lesson to me is: you can’t live off your draft status, it’s only a starting point.

HOMETOWN PRIDE

Swanson hails from Marietta, Ga., which is 30 minutes north of Atlanta, so becoming a Brave is a "dream come true" for the 21-year-old.

Atlanta pride runs through my veins. I’m not just talking about sports. If you ask my friends, they’ll tell you that I talk about Atlanta - the city itself - all the time. So much that I think it annoys them sometimes. They often tease me by saying that I’m not even from Atlanta, I’m from Marietta. But if you’re from around here, there’s no real difference.

My homecoming is not only about playing for the Braves, it’s about my love for Atlanta. I have so much passion for this city. I want it to be the best it can be - a model for professional athletic success. I want the Braves to help bring prominence to this great community. I hope we - everyone in Atlanta and all the fans - can come together to make this vision a reality. I know we can do it, but it needs to be a community effort. A hometown effort.

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Although Swanson is returning to familiar territory, the youngster asked his family for a new friend upon his return home.

Hey, Mom and Dad, one last thing. I have a big favor to ask of you. Now that I’m back home, I’m going to adopt a puppy. You know how I’ve always wanted a dog but never had the time or space for one?

When I’m on road trips, will you take him out for walks? I want him to feel comfortable at home.