Jordan Walker secured his first Home Run Derby title on Monday at Citizens Bank Park, defeating Philadelphia's own Kyle Schwarber in a dramatic final round. The St. Louis Cardinals' slugger hit six consecutive home runs to clinch the victory, marking the first time a Cardinals player has won the event.
Despite the home-field advantage for Schwarber, Walker described the Philadelphia crowd as "brutal" but also "special" for their passion and loyalty to their players. "I've never heard people cheer so loud for Schwarber, [Bryce] Harper," Walker said after his win. "Those guys did their thing… I just gotta play the game."
Fans at Citizens Bank Park were audibly vocal throughout the evening, booing participants who were not representing the Phillies. Walker noted he received a significant portion of this negative energy, but his father, Derek Walker, shared a different perspective.
"We had a lot of fun with the Philly fans," Derek Walker told The Athletic. "In our section there actually were quite a few folks who flip-flopped it. They were for Kyle Schwarber, but like ‘Hey, but we’re Jordan Walker fans when he’s up at bat — you know, lose by one home run.’"
He added that the crowd was "great" and "cheering for their guy." According to Derek Walker, fans conveyed that a boo in Philadelphia is a sign of respect. "They booed very loudly; they respected us very well. When it was all over, they were fantastic. I loved this crowd tonight," he said.
The intense atmosphere is expected to continue Tuesday night for the MLB All-Star Game, where visiting players will again experience the Philadelphia crowd.