Philadelphia, PA — In an emotional interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies star Kyle Schwarber opened up about the possibility of one day donning the red jersey of his childhood team, the Cincinnati Reds.
“As a baseball fan growing up, growing up watching Cincinnati baseball, you know why you love the game so much. And if you get to play for the team that you grew up with … I think that would be awesome,” Schwarber said.
Born in Middletown, Ohio — less than an hour’s drive from Cincinnati — Schwarber grew up listening to the thunderous sounds of Great American Ball Park. Though he’s now a Phillies powerhouse with thunderous home runs, his heart still seems to be at the place where he fell in love with baseball.
Winter of Fate?
Schwarber will become a free agent after this season, and the question is already being asked: Will the Cincinnati Reds actually come calling? And if so, will Schwarber return to where his heart is?
Insiders say the Reds are looking for a boost in image and hitting power — and Schwarber, who has hit more than 45 home runs in each of the last few seasons, could be the missing piece.
“That childhood dream… never died”
More than a few Cincinnati fans are starting to fantasize about Schwarber returning home, donning the iconic red uniform and creating legendary moments in the city that once nurtured his dreams.
While nothing is certain, one thing is clear: in a world of sports where money and winning often come first, Kyle Schwarber has just reminded us that — childhood love for a team can be the most beautiful and true thing of all.
“Being able to play for your childhood team is something that I think it’d be awesome.”
— Kyle Schwarber, if called up by the Reds this offseason.