Kyle Schwarber looked at home at GABP, but could he return home to play for the Reds?

Published in House and Home on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by The New York Times
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"I've always said that if you would ask the childhood Kyle what team you'd like to play for, it would be Cincinnati," Schwarber said.

Kyle Schwarber's Emotional Return to Cincinnati: Phillies Slugger Faces Reds in Hometown Series

CINCINNATI — As the Philadelphia Phillies rolled into Great American Ball Park for a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, the spotlight shone brightly on one player in particular: Kyle Schwarber. The burly outfielder, known for his prodigious power and infectious enthusiasm, was making a rare return to the city that feels like home. Born and raised in Middletown, Ohio—just a short drive north of Cincinnati—Schwarber has always carried a piece of the Buckeye State with him throughout his winding major league journey. This series, kicking off on a warm August evening, offered a poignant reminder of his roots, blending nostalgia with the high-stakes drama of a pennant race.

Schwarber's connection to Cincinnati runs deep. Growing up in Middletown, he idolized the Reds' greats of the 1990s and early 2000s, dreaming of one day patrolling the outfield at Riverfront Stadium or its successor. Though he never played for the Reds—having been drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2014—his heart has always been tied to the region. "This place shaped me," Schwarber said in a pre-game interview, his voice tinged with emotion. "The fans here, the energy—it's like coming back to family. I've got friends and relatives in the stands tonight, and it means everything to put on a show for them." For Schwarber, this isn't just another road trip; it's a homecoming, a chance to reflect on the path that led him from high school ball in Ohio to becoming one of baseball's most feared sluggers.

The Phillies, locked in a tight battle for the National League East crown, arrived in Cincinnati with momentum. Schwarber, serving as the team's designated hitter and occasional left fielder, has been a cornerstone of their lineup since signing a four-year deal in 2022. His ability to launch moonshot home runs has made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, but in Cincinnati, the reception is even more personal. As he stepped onto the field for batting practice, a chorus of cheers erupted from the early-arriving crowd. Local fans, many wearing custom jerseys blending Phillies red with Reds flair, waved signs reading "Middletown's Own" and "Schwarber: Ohio's Hero." It's a testament to how Schwarber has transcended team loyalties, becoming a symbol of perseverance and power for baseball enthusiasts across the Midwest.

Flash back to Schwarber's early days: A standout at Middletown High School, he led his team to state championships and earned accolades that caught the eye of college scouts. At Indiana University, he blossomed into a first-round talent, hitting tape-measure homers that echoed through the Hoosier heartland. The Cubs selected him fourth overall in the 2014 draft, and he quickly became a key piece in their 2016 World Series run, famously returning from a devastating knee injury to deliver clutch hits in the Fall Classic. That championship cemented his legacy in Chicago, but trades to the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox followed, showcasing his adaptability and resilience. Now, with the Phillies, Schwarber has found a stable home, leading the league in walks and providing veteran leadership to a young core.

This series against the Reds carries added layers of intrigue. The Reds, rebuilding around a mix of promising prospects and savvy veterans, see the Phillies as a measuring stick for their progress. For Schwarber, facing Cincinnati pitchers evokes memories of childhood trips to watch games with his family. "I remember sitting in the bleachers, dreaming big," he reminisced. "Now, to be on the other side, trying to crush balls out of here—it's surreal." Phillies manager Rob Thomson echoed that sentiment, noting Schwarber's extra motivation. "Kyle's got that fire when he plays near home," Thomson said. "You can see it in his swing, his focus. It's good for the team; it rubs off on everyone."

Beyond the personal narrative, the matchup highlights contrasting team philosophies. The Phillies, built on star power and aggressive spending, contrast with the Reds' patient, farm-system-driven approach. Schwarber embodies the Phillies' ethos: a high-strikeout, high-reward hitter who can change a game with one swing. In recent seasons, he's refined his plate discipline, drawing walks at an elite rate while maintaining his power output. Against the Reds' pitching staff, which features a blend of hard-throwing youngsters and crafty veterans, Schwarber's approach will be tested. Will he chase the big fly in front of his hometown crowd, or play the disciplined game that has defined his Phillies tenure?

The emotional weight of the series isn't lost on Schwarber's teammates. Bryce Harper, the Phillies' superstar outfielder, shared a laugh about it during warmups. "Schwarbs is like a kid in a candy store here," Harper said. "He's telling stories about growing up, the local spots. It humanizes the game—reminds us why we play." For the Reds' side, players like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene express admiration for Schwarber's career arc. "He's a guy you look up to, coming from a similar background," De La Cruz noted. "Facing him is an honor, but we're here to compete."

As the first pitch approached, the atmosphere at Great American Ball Park buzzed with anticipation. Fireworks lit up the Ohio River skyline, and the smell of Cincinnati chili wafted through the concourses. For Schwarber, stepping into the batter's box felt like closing a circle. "Baseball's taken me all over," he said, "but there's no place like home." Win or lose, this series serves as a celebration of one player's journey from Ohio roots to major league stardom, a reminder that even in the grind of a long season, personal stories add depth to the diamond drama.

The games themselves promise fireworks. In Game 1, Schwarber wasted no time, launching a towering drive in his first at-bat that sailed into the right-field seats, eliciting roars from the mixed crowd. It was a moment that encapsulated his power and his connection to the area— a homer that felt destined. As the series unfolds, fans on both sides hope for more such magic, blending rivalry with respect. For Schwarber, it's not just about the results; it's about honoring the path that brought him here, from Middletown fields to the bright lights of MLB.

This return also sparks broader reflections on player mobility in modern baseball. In an era of frequent trades and free agency, moments like these—where a player revisits his origins—become increasingly rare and cherished. Schwarber's story resonates with anyone who's left home to chase dreams, only to return triumphant. As the Phillies aim to solidify their playoff positioning, Schwarber's performance could be pivotal, but the intangible boost from playing near family might prove even more valuable.

By series end, regardless of the scoreboard, Kyle Schwarber's homecoming will linger as a highlight of the 2025 season—a blend of heart, hustle, and home runs that captures the essence of why baseball endures as America's pastime. In Cincinnati, under the summer stars, one slugger reminded everyone that roots run deep, even as careers soar high.

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Kyle Schwarber looked at home at GABP, but could he return home to play for the Reds?

Kyle Schwarber's Emotional Return to Cincinnati: Phillies Slugger Faces Reds in Hometown Series