Kyle Schwarber made the record books and cemented his name with a jaw-dropping performance during the league’s first-ever swing-off in the 95th MLB All-Star game this past Tuesday. It was no surprise to anyone when he led the National League team to a win.
The tie breaker was called a swing off. It was first introduced during the very first night of the All-Star break. The National and American League played so well that they played to a 6-6 tie after nine innings. The league introduced this new tiebreaker, a three hit swing off home run derby format.
Each team picked three players they knew could hit the ball without problems. Each player had three tries to knock the ball out of the park. Schwarber delivered with no issues at all.
Schwarber launched three home runs in all three of his swings. He led the National League to a victory and earned himself the MVP honor. It put the National League up 7-6. It was the first time in his all-star career that he had ever done this, and he left many of the fans and everyone on the field stunned. He 0-2 in regulation but used his swings when it mattered most.
This is the first time a designated hitter has won the All-Star MVP. Schwarber is the first Phillies player to do so since 1964, when Johnny Callison won the award for his All-Star game contributions.
It is no surprise that Schwarber came through with these awards. He has always come through for the Phillies in their time of need. So far this season, Schwarber has hit 30 home runs. He has had a great season and has struck fear into every team he has played against. Schwarber will continue to show that he has the skills to be this year’s league MVP and if he is able to do so, it would be the fourth time a DH has won the MLB MVP award.
