Jordan Walker, a young St. Louis Cardinal, impressed fans in Philadelphia by winning the Home Run Derby. He outperformed Phillies star Kyle Schwarber in the final round. Walker’s win marked a first for the Cardinals in the Derby’s history.
Walker vs. Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber hit 11 homers in his final 15 swings, but Walker remained undeterred. Philadelphia fans, initially rowdy, began to leave quietly after Walker’s decisive home run.
Walker commented, I was once told you don’t boo nobodies. So it feels pretty good.
Schwarber also praised Walker’s performance. He earned it,
Schwarber said, acknowledging the young player’s talent.
Derby Journey
Schwarber moved past the first round and beat Boston’s Willson Contreras in the second round. This set up a face-off with Walker, who defeated Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero earlier in the competition. Walker, confident and focused, maintained a calm demeanor in the heated atmosphere.
Sporting a backward cap, reminiscent of Ken Griffey Jr., Walker celebrated on the field with his family. His father proudly recalled Walker’s early home run feats. After hitting his seventh and eighth homers in quick succession, Walker secured bonus swings.
The young Cardinal needed four more homers to win. His final shot hit the center field fence, reaching 401 feet. With each swing, boos from the Philly crowd grew louder, culminating in a display of fireworks as he celebrated his tenth homer.
Derby Format and Fan Reactions
This year’s Derby featured a new format, removing the timed clock and opting for a swing style. This allowed players more time between swings and fans additional moments to react.
Walker and other competitors had 20 swings in the first round and were seeded for the second. Each player got 15 swings, continuing if they hit homers with their final attempts.
Philly’s Enthusiastic Support
Philadelphia fans had high hopes for Schwarber and Bryce Harper. However, Harper, who chose this event as his last Derby, managed only eight in the first round, failing to reach the final.
Fans celebrated the hometown heroes, ignoring the other participants. Especially notable was the loudness of the jeers directed toward Yankees slugger Ben Rice. After the competition, Schwarber expressed mixed emotions, admitting he hoped both he and Harper would advance.
Historical Context
This Derby, held at Citizens Bank Park, was Philadelphia’s first since 1996. Sold out, it aired on Netflix, marking a significant collaboration with the streaming service. Netflix also broadcast the opening night game, and anticipates airing the upcoming Field of Dreams game between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies on August 13.