On Monday night, Jordan Walker secured his place in history as the first St. Louis Cardinal to win the Home Run Derby, an event held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Walker’s impressive performance included homering on his last six swings, surpassing Phillies favorite Kyle Schwarber in the final round.
Kyle Schwarber managed 11 homers in his 15 swings during the final round. Despite the crowd’s boos for other competitors, Philly fans showed unwavering support for Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Walker’s winning shot over the left field wall marked the end of the event, prompting many hometown fans to exit quietly.
Walker expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I was once told you don’t boo nobodies. So it feels pretty good.” His journey to victory included defeating Junior Caminero from Tampa Bay in the second round. Schwarber advanced after a successful matchup against Boston’s Willson Contreras.
Schwarber, who leads MLB in home runs, received roaring support from fans with each swing. Walker, with the top button of his Cardinals jersey undone, remained composed despite the boos, chewing bubble gum and wearing his cap backward, reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.
Walker’s celebration with his family on the field was a heartwarming moment. His father recalled how Walker began hitting impressive long balls at just six years old. Fulfilling a childhood dream, Walker hit his seventh homer with two swings left and secured bonus swings by hitting an eighth homer. He needed four straight homers to win and delivered a 401-foot shot that reached 10 homers, igniting boos from the fans as fireworks lit up the sky.
That was impressive,said Schwarber, acknowledging Walker’s feat.
Walker, a first-time All-Star, is enjoying a breakout season with 22 homers after a challenging two years with only 11 combined. These final six homers in Philadelphia are now etched in the Derby highlight reel.
This Home Run Derby featured a revamped format: MLB eliminated its timed clock, moving to a swing format. Players continued to hit if they homered on their final swing. The extra time allowed players to observe their home runs while the crowd expressed their opinions loudly.
Fans had high hopes for local stars Schwarber and Harper to reach the final and add a third Derby title to the Phillies. However, Harper did not advance, leaving Schwarber as the lone representative. Despite the disappointing result, the crowd showed their enthusiasm. Harper, participating in his last Derby, encouraged the fans to get louder, energizing the stadium.
The event, broadcast live on Netflix, was the first Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park since its opening in 2004. It marked the first Derby in Philadelphia since Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire competed at Veterans Stadium in 1996.