Sweeney attended Holliston High School in Holliston, Massachusetts and was a student and a letterman in football and baseball. In baseball, he helped lead his team to the 1986 Massachusetts State Championship. He also led his football team as the quarterback to a state championship, winning the Tri-Valley League and a Superbowl in 1985.\n', '

Sweeney was signed to play quarterback for the University of Maine in Orono. There, he decided to play baseball full-time. He went on to become a Golden Spikes Finalist, playing outfield, and breaking many of the school\'s offensive records. As a senior in 1991, he hit .384 with 23 home runs, 80 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 65 games; his strong season earned him the America East Player of the Year award.\n', '

Sweeney was drafted by the California Angels in the 9th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his professional debut in 1991 with the Boise Hawks in Single-A, batting .282 in 70 games. With the Angels organization he played for the Quad Cities River Bandits (1992), Palm Springs Angels (1993), Midland Angels (1993-1994) and Vancouver Canadians (1994-1995). On July 8, 1995, he was traded by the Angels to the St. Louis Cardinals for John Habyan. After playing in 22 games for the Triple-A Louisville Redbirds his contract was purchased by the Cardinals on August 4.\n', '

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