Chicago Cubs: Kyle Schwarber turns 24; let’s look back at some highlights

Jul 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44), catcher Kyle Schwarber (12) and center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) warm up at the beginning of their game with the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs let the War Bear out of his cage

On July 21, trailing 4-2 in the top of the ninth, Schwarber stepped up to the dish.

Cincinnati right-hander JJ Hoover delivered a full-count pitch and, just like that, game tied.

The rookie crushed a ball deep into the right-field seats, marking just his second big league home run to-date. One month into his career with the Cubs, he still carried a .400 average – demonstrating his stellar bat control, mixed with devastating power.

This was really the first moment that Kyle Schwarber broke out. Headlines featured his name, fans clamored for his jersey and he delivered on the hype that surrounded the former draft pick.

As extra innings wore on, Schwarber stepped to the dish once more.

A testament to his strength, the left-handed slugger golfed a 2-2 pitch into the right-field seats again, breaking the 4-4 tie and giving Chicago a 5-4 lead. On the night, he singlehandedly delivered the team from the brink of defeat, emerging as another powerful bat in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup.

Cubs let the War Bear out of his cage

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