Chicago Cubs: A history of notable Home Run Derby performances

Chicago Cubs: A night to remember

The 2018 Home Run Derby had to play out as it did with the hometown golden boy Bryce Harper representing the weekend hosts in our nation’s capital. Despite a furious finish, which eventually saw Harper crowned as king, Kyle Schwarber put up his own impressive performance and nearly owned the night.

It is no secret that Schwarber can hit the leather off of a baseball. Nor is it a secret that he can hit a ball clear out of a stadium. Coming into the all-star weekend, Schwarber had clubbed 18 home runs, which made him a prime candidate to compete.

Teammate Javier Baez can also be included in this spot. While Baez experienced an early exit, he did notably hit the longest home run of the night: a 479-foot moonshot. Schwarber advanced to the final round to face Harper.

In a more than concerted effort to win it all, Schwarber drove 18 balls into the dark D.C. sky. Unfortunately, it would not be enough as Harper narrowly surpassed Schwarber within the final minute to be crowned the champion. Despite the heroics from Harper, Schwarber is probably talked about more regarding his finals performance as it remains tantamount to none before.