Ruthian territory

As we come to the end (hopefully at the end of October) of Kyle Schwarber’s four-year run with the Phillies, we landed on a unique moment last night: Home run No. 50.

Schwarber, the NL MVP candidate in the midst of his best season, because just the 34th player in the history of the sport to have a 50 homer season. He did it by September 9, giving him an outside chance of one more hot streak and the all-time franchise record. He did it against the Mets, helping the Phillies cut their magic number to nine. He did it at home, in front of a crowd that wants him here beyond 2025.

By doing it, he placed himself among a duo of names that are synonymous with home runs and joined a group that should (further) convince the Phillies of doing whatever it takes to bring him back this winter.