What looked like an impending coronation on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park was suddenly turned into one of the most dramatic finishes in Home Run Derby history.
With 11 home runs in an impressive final round, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber appeared to be headed for his first Derby win in front of his home crowd, with former Philadelphia star first baseman Ryan Howard on hand to present the winner’s Liberty Bell-themed chain.
Instead, Howard -- the Phillies’ most recent Home Run Derby champion, back in 2006 -- ended up congratulating another hitter altogether.
After hitting four consecutive home runs on his final swing -- earning the right to keep hitting with each dinger -- it was the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker who ended up wearing the victory chain after stunning Schwarber, 12-11, in the final round.
Walker and Howard embraced after the St. Louis outfielder claimed the first Home Run Derby win in franchise history. Clearly, the 24-year-old’s incredible win was still sinking in.
"Yeah, this chain right here?" Walker said. "This is a top chain. It's the Home Run Derby champ chain. I don't know if it's coming off tonight."