Kyle Schwarber hit the longest Home Run Derby blast ever at Truist Field, cutting a beautiful arc with his unbelievable power and precision. In 2018, he helped guide the National League (NL) to an unforgettable swing-off victory. The NL defeated the American League (AL) 4-3 in a thrilling showdown. Schwarber had an epic performance and was rightfully named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), despite not recording a hit in the classic sense.
And it’s no surprise, because Schwarber is a player who thrives under pressure. He’d already proven himself on the big stage, hitting a huge homerun for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, and performing in Game 7 of the World Series. His experience and poise showed through even more when he found himself in the swing-off, a cool new twist added to the All-Star festivities.
In the swing-off, Schwarber was picked by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to represent the NL. He walked into every room ready to hit home runs. Then on his third pitch, everything clicked, and he sent a majestic home run clanging onto the center-field fence. The ball sailed all the way out to the fourth row of the seats above the Tigers Chop House—461 feet away, a tremendous poke!
As Schwarber sank to one knee, bat raised in triumph, fireworks showered around Truist Field. This moment was a true reflection of both his artistry and the energy of the conference itself. “I didn’t hit it, obviously, my best, but I was thinking I got enough of it,” Schwarber reflected after his impressive swing.
Kyle Stowers became the NL’s replacement. He took over for Eugenio Suárez, who was injured when a high fastball hit his left hand in the eighth inning. Stowers continued with Schwarber and other NL players as they sought to win it all in the newly adopted swing-off format.
Schwarber’s performance in the 2022 event may have put his solidified status as the NL team’s leadoff hitter to bed. He’d hit three home runs on just three swings in the contest. His performance was the most impactful, even without a conventional knock in the contest. This serves to underscore both the sheer singularity of the occurrence — and his extraordinary poise and instinctive improvisation in the moment.
Two-time Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso joined the jubilation with Schwarber. He gave him a friendly pat on the head for good measure, and the crowd went absolutely wild! Alonso on the electric yet intimate atmosphere, “I felt like a closer going into a game.” His musings conveyed the competitive energy that permeated the stadium.
Reflecting on his approach to hitting during this high-stakes moment, Schwarber recalled being asked by Alonso where he wanted his pitches. “He asked me right before, he was like, where do you want it?” Schwarber recounted. This sense of fellowship between competitors is just one of the qualities that make the feeling of friendly competition mixed with admiration prevalent at these events.
The high-stakes swing-off format became an instant classic that has already begun to redefine its place in baseball history. Aaron Boone shared his thoughts on this new element, stating, “It will be interesting to see where [the swing-off rule] goes.” With any luck, the enthusiasm inspired by this competition will convince MLB decision-makers to make it a regular feature of All-Star Games to come.