Jordan Walker spoiled the homecoming party for Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber, rallying in the final round of the Home Run Derby on Monday night to become the first St. Louis Cardinal to win the event. Walker homered on his last six swings to overtake Schwarber and secure the title.
Schwarber, the major league leader in home runs, hit 11 homers during his turn in the final round. Walker, a 24-year-old first-time All-Star, responded with a dramatic surge, hitting his seventh home run with two swings to spare and his eighth on the next swing to earn bonus swings. He needed to hit four straight homers to win and accomplished the feat, with his final blast soaring over the left-field wall.
Philadelphia fans, who had vocally supported Schwarber and fellow Phillie Bryce Harper while booing other competitors, left the stadium as Walker’s winning shot left the park. "I was once told you don’t boo nobodies," Walker said after the win. "So it feels pretty good."
Schwarber advanced through the first two rounds, defeating Boston’s Willson Contreras in the second round. Walker eliminated Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero in the second round. Schwarber acknowledged Walker’s performance, stating, “He earned it,” and later added, “That was impressive what he did.”
This marked the first Home Run Derby held in Philadelphia since 1996. The event aired on Netflix for the first time this season, as part of a three-event package that also includes the upcoming Field of Dreams game.
Walker, who has a career-high 22 home runs this season, celebrated with his family on the field. He had struggled with a combined 11 home runs in his previous two years. Schwarber, a runner-up for the second time, had previously reached the finals in 2018 while playing for the Chicago Cubs, losing to Bryce Harper.