The Main Event

March 20, 2022 – The Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent Kyle Schwarber to a four-year contract. Schwarber hit 187 home runs and drove in 434 runs during the life of the deal. He re-signed with the Phillies this offseason for three years and $150-million.

Kyle Schwarber emerged as one of the most recognizable power hitters of his generation, blending patience at the plate with game-changing home run ability. A standout at Indiana University, Schwarber gained national attention for his offensive production and leadership. The Chicago Cubs selected him fourth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft, and he moved quickly through the minor leagues thanks to his advanced bat.

He made his major league debut in 2015 and immediately impressed, hitting for power while showing a disciplined approach uncommon for a young slugger. That postseason, Schwarber became a household name. He launched several memorable home runs during the Cubs’ playoff run, including a towering shot that famously landed on top of the Wrigley Field scoreboard. His performance helped establish him as a key part of Chicago’s future core.

World Series Comeback and Chicago Years

In 2016, Schwarber suffered a severe knee injury early in the season that sidelined him for months. Remarkably, he returned in time for the World Series against Cleveland. Despite not playing in the field, he contributed as a designated hitter and delivered several crucial hits. His comeback was one of the most inspiring storylines of the Cubs’ championship run, which ended a 108-year title drought.

Over the next few seasons, Schwarber remained a central figure in Chicago’s lineup. He consistently provided power, often hitting 30 or more home runs in a season. While his batting average fluctuated, his ability to draw walks and hit for extra bases made him a valuable offensive piece. After the 2020 season, however, the Cubs chose not to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.

Resurgence in Washington and Boston

Schwarber signed with the Washington Nationals in 2021 and quickly caught fire. During a remarkable stretch in June, he hit home runs at an incredible pace, earning National League Player of the Month honors. His power surge reminded the league of his elite offensive potential.

Later that season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to produce in the middle of the lineup. In Boston, Schwarber adjusted his approach slightly, showing more consistency while still delivering power. He played a key role in helping the Red Sox reach the American League Championship Series, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous postseason hitter.

Impact with Philadelphia

In 2022, Schwarber signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and quickly became one of the team’s most important players. Installed as the leadoff hitter, he brought an unconventional but highly effective style to the top of the order. His combination of patience and power allowed him to set the tone early in games, often changing the scoreboard with a single swing.

That season, Schwarber hit 46 home runs, leading the National League and setting a career high. His production was a driving force behind the Phillies’ surprising run to the World Series. Throughout the postseason, he delivered several key hits and provided veteran leadership to a team that had not reached October in over a decade.

Schwarber continued to be a cornerstone of the Phillies lineup in the following seasons. His ability to get on base, work deep counts, and deliver in big moments made him a fan favorite. While not known for defensive prowess, his offensive impact more than compensated, and he embraced his role as a leader in the clubhouse. In 2025, Schwarber hit 56 “Schwarbombs” the second most in Phillies history, behind only Ryan Howard‘s mark of 58.

Legacy and Playing Style

Schwarber’s career has been defined by resilience and adaptability. From overcoming a major injury early in his career to reinventing himself as a leadoff power hitter, he has consistently found ways to impact the game. He is known for his strong plate discipline, often ranking among league leaders in walks, and his ability to hit home runs in bunches.

Beyond the numbers, Schwarber has built a reputation as a clutch performer, particularly in the postseason. His calm demeanor and experience have made him a steady presence on competitive teams. Whether in Chicago, Washington, Boston, or Philadelphia, he has demonstrated a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most.

Philadelphia Baseball Events for March 20

  • March 20, 1934 – Mildred Didrikson (also known as Babe Zaharias), the renowned all-around female athlete, pitches the 1st inning for the Philadelphia Athletics in a spring training exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. She gives up one walk but no hits. Two days later she pitches again, this time one inning for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Boston Red Sox. Didrickson is less successful the second time, giving up four hits and three runs. Bill Hallahan relieves her, as she does not have an at bat in either game. She will also play several games for the House of David this season. Didrickson is the second female to play exhibitions with a major league team. Previously, first baseman Lizzie Murphy played for an American League All-Star team on August 14, 1922.
  • March 20, 1943 – Indian Bob Johnson, a longtime Philadelphia Athletics fan favorite, is traded to the Washington Senators in exchange for outfielder Bobby Estalella and infielder Jimmy Pofahl. Johnson has led the Athletics in RBI in each of the last seven seasons – no team has ever traded a slugger with that mark.
  • March 20, 1962 – The Philadelphia Phillies traded Ken Lehman and Tony Curry to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Mel Roach. Lehman was a left-handed pitcher who had shown promise, while Curry was a young outfielder; 1962 was the final season in the majors for both Lehman and Curry.
  • March 20, 1984 – Hall of Fame pitcher Stan Coveleski dies in South Bend, Indiana, at the age of 94. Coveleski pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators and New York Yankees over a 14-season career, winning 215 games, which included five 20-win seasons.

MLB Events for March 20

  • March 20, 1961 – The New York Yankees of the American League announce the team will oppose any plan that would enable the new National League expansion franchise in New York, NY to use Yankee Stadium. This decision leaves the old Polo Grounds as the only viable option for the NL’s new team, the New York Mets, who will begin play in a year’s time.
  • March 20, 1989 – Commissioner Peter Ueberroth announces that he has begun an investigation into the behavior of Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose. Ueberroth doesn’t identify the allegations against Rose, but the Reds’ skipper will eventually be banished for his alleged involvement with gambling.

ICYMI

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Philadelphia Baseball Birthdays for March 20

  • Paddy Greene (born 1875) – Greene was an infielder who broke into the majors with the Phillies in 1902. In his one season in Philadelphia, Greene hit .169/.186/.205/.391 in 19 games with 70 plate appearances.
  • Bill Peterman (born 1921) – Peterman was a catcher whose major league career consisted on one at-bat with the Phillies in 1942. He made the most of it though when he singled.
  • Pat Corrales (born 1941) – Corrales played his first two MLB seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies, but is better known as a coach and manager of the team. Corrales managed the Phillies to an 89-73 record in 1982 and was 43-42 the following season when he was fired and replaced by GM Paul Owens, who led the team to the NL Pennant before falling to Baltimore in the World Series.
  • Mike Young (born 1960) – An outfielder acquired by the Phillies just prior to the start of the 1988 season and was dealt to Milwaukee in August of the year when he was hitting .226 in 73 games with the Phillies.
  • Brad Hand (born 1990) – A veteran left-handed reliever who pitched for the Phillies in 2022 and posted a 2.80 ERA in 55 appearances. Known for his effective slider, he was been a reliable bullpen arm across multiple teams.
  • Saul Teran (born 2002) – Teran was born in Caracas, Venezuela and is pitching in the Phillies minor league system. The right-hander pitched for Clearwater, Jersey Shore, and Reading last season with a 5-1, 1.30 mark in 40 games, striking out 56 in 48.1 innings of work.

MLB Hall of Famers born on March 20

  • Joe McGinnity (born 1871) – Pitched for the Baltimore Orioles, the Brooklyn Superbas, and the New York Giants between 1899-1908. Led the majors in wins five times and in ERA once (1.61, 1904 Giants). Pitched a remarkable 842 innings between 1903 and 1904. Entered the Hall of Fame in 1947 on a vote by the “Old Timers Committee.”

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