PHILADELPHIA— Phillies fans of all ages know the legendary voice of Harry Kalas. The longtime Phillies broadcaster called some of the biggest moments in franchise history, including a very special milestone for a former Phillie.
“Could it be, could it be… it is OUTTA HERE, number 400 for Jim Thome!… Take a bow big man.”
Jim Thome holds a special place in the hearts of Phillies fans and Major League Baseball fans for that matter. In my opinion, Kyle Schwarber is on a similar path to the Hall of Famer in terms of popularity league-wide.
Schwarber Has a Cemented Legacy
With the way that Jim Thome has been honored by the Philadelphia Phillies, you might think he spent his entire career in Philly.
The truth of the matter is, Thome was in a Phillies uniform for three seasons from 2003 to 2005. He played just 361 games for the Phils. With Ryan Howard waiting in the wings, Jim was replaceable and we all know how well the Big Piece performed when given the opportunity. Despite the short timeline, what Jim Thome means to Phillies fans is irreplaceable. He is a member of the club’s Wall of Fame and of course a member of MLB’s Hall of Fame.
While Kyle Schwarber might have some work to do on the Hall of Fame front, he is undoubtedly heading to the Phillies Wall of Fame. Like Thome, Schwarber has now spent three seasons in a Phillies uniform. In that time he has more games, hits, home runs, and RBIs than #25. Schwarber and Thome both reached one All-Star game for the team but Kyle has a Silver Slugger to his name.
When comparing the two, Kyle Schwarber also has playoff experience over Jim Thome. Schwarbs is tied with Bryce Harper for the most playoff home runs in franchise history. His blasts over the last three post-seasons have all been impactful in one way or another.
Both players were important to their eras of club history. Seen as respected leaders and game-changing players. They also both love the long ball, an aspect of the game that any fan could appreciate. Jim Thome hit his 400th home run as a member of the Phillies. Kyle Schwarber hit his 200th, and chances are he will hit his 300th-long ball in 2025.
Flash from the Past
Like Jim, Kyle has played for various teams during his career. The Cubs, Nationals, Red Sox, and now the Phillies. Thome played for the Indians, Phillies, White Sox, Dodgers, Twins, Indians again, Phillies again, and finished with the Orioles. At each stop along the way, baseball fans have loved having these players on their team. It is the respect that they are shown by all fanbases that demonstrates their impact on the game.
In about 15-20 years, after his playing days are over, the Phillies will induct Kyle in their Wall of Fame. The work that he has put in over the past three seasons has earned him that distinction. Schwarber is under contract for the 2025 season, so he will at least have 1 more year left in red pinstripes. Extending him is certainly an option and the more games he gets under his belt will only further his role in the lore of the Phillies.
Kyle is also a huge part of the Philadelphia community. His efforts with Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes focus on giving back to first responders in the area. He has spent significant time giving back to these heroes who put their lives on the line for others.
Regardless of how his future plays out in Philly, I would expect fans to always show love and support for #12. Baseball in Philadelphia has reached its pinnacle once again and you can thank Kyle for being a part of that resurgence. He will get loud ovations during Alumni weekends and have his place in Phillies history.
Kyle Schwarber might just be the modern version of Jim Thome and that is an exciting idea to relish in.
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
