Kyle Schwarber stole the show in the All-Star Game with a stunning performance in the swing-off, earning the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.
The National League won the game 7-6 after out-homering the American League 4-3. The AL had tied the score in the ninth inning, but Schwarber’s three home runs in the swing-off sealed the victory for the NL.
Schwarber hit all three of his swings for home runs. They flew 428 feet, 461 feet, and 382 feet. His powerful hits gave the National League a one-homer lead going into the final round. The AL’s Jonathan Aranda was unable to clear the fence, leaving Pete Alonso to bat last.
“It was awesome. The guys were really into it. They were yelling, screaming, cheering me on every swing. When that last one goes over, they were all pumped. It was a lot of fun,” Schwarber said.
Schwarber was informed just on Monday that he would take part in the swing-off if the game ended in a tie. He is only the second Phillies player to win the All-Star MVP since the award started in 1962. The first was Johnny Callison in 1964.
“They asked [NL manager Dave Roberts] wanted me to do it. I said, ‘Absolutely. That’s fine.’ You’re just not thinking that you’re going to end in a tie,” Schwarber added.
Facing pitches from Dodgers third-base coach Dino Ebel, Schwarber admitted the moment made his heart race. “It definitely got your heart racing a little bit,” he said. “Luckily, Dino was throwing great batting practice. He was just grooving it there for you. I had a little bit of familiarity with him from the World Baseball Classic.”
Schwarber’s clutch hitting made this one of the most exciting All-Star moments in recent years. His swing-off display showed why he is one of the game’s top power hitters.
