Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber reveals Ken Griffey Jr inspiration for Home Run Derby

Before Kyle Schwarber became one of the best power hitters of his era, he was just an Ohio kid trying to emulate the swing and style of superstar center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. While appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the Philadelphia Phillies slugger recalled a childhood moment that carries special significance on this day.

“There’s a picture of me, it’s funny, {ball is on tee} I got my hat backwards, wood bat and I’m trying to hit the Griffey tilt,” Schwarber said. “And that was just another cool moment of just thinking about the Home Run Derby. We always played that growing up in the backyard.

“We had an above-ground pool and then we had a short fence in left, so we called the fence Pesky {Pole}, we called the pool out in right McCovey Cove and then the house we called the Green Monster. Just trying to hit homers left and right.”

Schwarber, who grew up a Cincinnati Reds fan, will try to channel his inner “Kid” when he competes in the 2026 Home Run Derby on Monday night. He is ready to jump-start the All-Star festivities and deliver a thrilling show for the home fans in Citizens Bank Park. The 2025 National League MVP runner-up leads all hitters with 32 home runs this season. He is seeking his first Derby crown.

"I grew up in Cincinnati as a Reds fan..

I wanted to be Ken Griffey Jr with the hat backwards..

We always played Home Run Derby in the backyard growing up" ~ @kschwarb12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/FV6zpmV3yX

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 13, 2026

Griffey won the annual event three times during his Hall of Fame career (all with Seattle Mariners), so Schwarber was imitating the right guy. The reigning All-Star Game MVP was on the cusp of victory back in 2018, but future teammate and fellow 2026 participant Bryce Harper erupted at the last minute and left with the title.

Motivated by the legions of Phillies fans who are sure to take in the action, and inspired by one of the greatest players in modern MLB history, Kyle Schwarber should wreak plenty of havoc at the Home Run Derby.

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