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In Philadelphia, June means one thing — Schwarberfest!

By Nick Butler

Jun 9, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a walk off game winning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a walk off game winning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Summer in Philadelphia typically means Hoagiefest at Wawa, trips to the beach, opened fire hydrants, Made in America and now … Schwarberfest. Last season, Kyle Schwarber took the Philadelphia fans on an amazing ride starting in June when he turned into the hottest hitting home run hitter in the league. Kyle Schwarber again started slow this season, but was having a worse season than last.

Per Baseball Reference, at the end of May last season, Schwarber was slashing .185/.311/.410. Schwarber again was sprinkled around the Philadelphia Phillies lineup, but always ended up back at the leadoff spot in the end. With 23 RBI, 27 runs, 30 walks, 32 hits and 11 home runs, it seemed like Schwarber might not be the player we all thought he was going to be and questioned why he was brought in and thrown at the leadoff spot.

Per Statmuse, June 1 came around and, like a phoenix from the ashes, Schwarber was reborn. In the month of June, Schwarber had a .272 batting average in the month alone, with 28 hits, 12 home runs, 27 RBI, 27 runs, 19 walks and 28 hits in 27 games. It was a run that was unexpected by the fanbase and took it by storm.

Through the first 55 games so far this season, Schwarber was slashing .163/.318/.395 with 13 home runs, 31 hits, 28 runs and 40 walks. Schwarber seemed to have a problem with his timing. He was ahead on the fastball and behind on breaking balls. Once again, the fan base has been questioning the use of Schwarber.

June 1 has come and gone and it’s time for Schwarberfest. With 4 home runs already in nine games and two of them being game-winners (the leadoff blast versus the Detroit Tigers and the walk off against the Dodgers just a few nights ago). The Phillies have needed this type of production and the Phillies seem to be turning a corner.

With the start of June, it means the start of balls flying out of the park. It might not be 90 degrees outside, but surely Schwarber will start bringing the heat with a scoring hot bat. Schwarber will also provide some wind to cool us down with the moon shots he will be smoking off of the barrel.

Next. Philadelphia's Aaron Nola and that darned pitch clock. dark

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