"Bryce Harper is a stud, but I love Kyle Schwarber" - Charles Barkley lauds Phillies DH's body transformation
On Tuesday, NBA legend Charles Barkley named Kyle Schwarber as his favorite Philadelphia Phillies player during a conversation with insiders Todd Zolecki, Jim Salisbury and ex-Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. Schwarber is having a strong season as the leadoff batter for the Phillies.
Barkley began his NBA career in Philadelphia after he was drafted by the 76ers in the 1984 draft. He represented them for eight years (1984-1992) and earned multiple All-Star nods and an All-Star game MVP during that span. To honor his contributions to the franchise, his No. 34 jersey was retired in 2001.
On Tuesday's edition of "The Phillies Show," Barkley commended Kyle Schwarber's physical transformation.
"[3:16] Obviously everybody loves Bryce Harper, because he's a stud, but I love Kyle Schwarber man." Barkley said. "What he's done with his body, going back to when he was with the Cubs. He made the decision to transform his body, and it's just been incredible."
"[4:06] I remember reading about Kyle, I think it started when he was in Chicago, he said 'I want to redo my body', and he redid his body, and it's been a great addition to what he's accomplished in the last X amount of years."
Kyle Schwarber bats in two as Phillies head into the postseason with victory on final day
On Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 6-3 at Nationals Park. After already clinching the NL East title and a first-round bye, a series loss against the Nats won't matter as much to the Phillies. However, with a victory on the final day, they still ended the regular season on a winning note.
Kyle Schwarber continued his strong showing this season as he batted in a pair of runners. He stepped in to bat with the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the fifth inning and hit a sharp drive to left field to score Kody Clemens and Edmundo Sosa. For the 2024 season, Schwarber is batting .248 with 38 home runs and 104 RBIs.
After the bye week, the Phillies will begin their postseason on Oct. 5. Phillies fans will be hoping Schwarber can continue to lead from the front as the Phillies look to bring the World Series back home for the first time since 2008.