By hitting his fourth long ball of the current playoffs yesterday against left-hander Kyle Nelson, Kyle Schwarber overtook the legendary Reggie Jackson for first place all time as the most powerful left-handed hitter in October.
Schwarber’s powerful shot was his 19th career post-season play. Jackson had long led in this regard with 18 home runs when it mattered most.
Known for his power, but also for his impressive number of strikeouts, Schwarber proves that he is an important element in the lineup of the Phillies, finalists in 2022 and for whom a second consecutive appearance in the World Series is within reach tomorrow.
His teammate Bryce Harper comes fifth on this list which includes big names. Harper has hit 15 long balls so far in the postseason.
The Phillies therefore count on two of the most formidable and productive left-handed hitters at a time when the exploits become historic and remain engraved in the memory of baseball fans.
Yesterday, the finalists of the last World Series escaped the game, but manager Rob Thomson can still count on a very powerful lineup to bounce back and hope to win the big honors this time.
If it’s up to him, Schwarber will continue to use his strengths to make a difference and thus allow his team to capitalize on the fact that he is a threat to opposing pitchers in each of his appearances at bat.
This season, Schwarber hit 47 home runs and drove in 104 runs, but his batting average was an anemic .197. You will therefore understand that the bread and butter of number 12 of the Phillies remains its power.
However, in the postseason, his lifetime average stands at .241. He is therefore able to raise his game a notch in order to become even more formidable at this precise time of the year.
Schwarber began his career in 2015 wearing the Chicago Cubs uniform, so he is in his ninth season in the Majors. Jackson, meanwhile, played for 21 seasons, mainly with the A’s and the Yankees. His performances in the playoffs earned him the nickname Mr. October.
