Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is Jedi master

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is a Jedi master

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 8/19/23

He may play the outfield like Sith, but on August 22, Philadelphia’s Kyle Scwarber will be all Jedi as the team celebrates Star Wars night at Citizens Bank Park.

“Schwarbie Wan Kenobi'' bobbleheads will be given away when the Phillies host the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. This will be the second time this month that Schwarber is involved in a promotion.

The team gave away replicas of his jersey on August 6th and the slugger responded by forcing in runs against the Royals. The Phillies were down 4-3 in the second inning when Schwarber crushed a two-run home run 421 feet to center field. He’d gone 0-for-19 prior to the game, but went 3-for-4 for the night as the Phillies went on to win the game 8-4.

New batting stance? pic.twitter.com/nGQO8Xx9iJ
— Fantasy Bruce (@fantasybruce) August 19, 2023

Was it the jerseys? Who knows, but the Phillies will certainly take another game like that from their 30-year-old star. Schwarber may be tied for fourth with 32 home runs, but his .182 batting average is the worst in Major League Baseball.

Schwarber has three hits in his last two games against the Nationals, but had just two hits in his seven previous games. Despite his struggles, Phils manager Rob Thomson continues to bat the slugger in the leadoff spot.

Is it a trap? Does Thomson know something we don’t or is he using some kind of Jedi mind trick? After all, Schwarber led the National League with 46 home runs last year.

A certain Jedi master once told Luke Skywalker, “The greatest teacher, failure is.” So maybe Schwarber just needs to try a little harder. Of course Yoda also said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” Even when your face is on a bobblehead.

More must-reads: