Philly Leader

Kyle Schwarber had a notable week, hitting three home runs in Toronto on September 3, including a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning to secure a 10-9 victory over the Blue Jays. On September 4, he hit another leadoff homer, tying Alfonso Soriano's record for the most leadoff homers in a season with 13. Schwarber continued his streak by hitting another home run on Friday in a 16-2 win against the Marlins and ultimately set a new record with his 14th leadoff homer.

In recognition of his achievements, Schwarber was named the NL Player of the Week and nominated for the Phillies’ Roberto Clemente Award on Monday.

Schwarber is one of 30 nominees for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award due to his work with Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes. The program, started in 2017, aims to support first responders and their families through positive experiences and funding for wellness, education, and crisis needs. Since its inception, it has raised over $1 million in grants.

“It’s close to home,” Schwarber said about his motivation. His father was a longtime police officer and police chief in Middletown, Ohio; his mother was a police dispatcher before becoming a registered nurse; and his sister served in the Army National Guard before becoming a police officer.

“I have a great amount of respect for my family,” Schwarber shared this week on The Phillies Show when discussing why he founded Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes. He emphasized representing his family and highlighting the daily challenges faced by first responders and their families.

Schwarber mentioned that if not for baseball, he would likely be a first responder like his parents and sister. “Everyone gets to see us as baseball players,” he said. “This is Philadelphia... You want to impact your community... We want to try to create as many positive experiences as possible.”

On Sunday, Kyle and Paige Schwarber hosted "Schwarber's Block Party," raising over $300,000 for @SchwarbsHeroes. "Dad, Mom got to come home every night," said Schwarber about trying to bring smiles to people's faces regardless of duration.

Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes has awarded grants to organizations such as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department Foundations, Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), Team Foster, and USO (United Service Organizations). In June, he organized "Schwarber’s Block Party" fundraising event in Philadelphia followed by hosting an appreciation party at Citizens Bank Park for hundreds of heroes and their families.