MLB postseason records : The Philadelphia Phillies’ postseason legacy grew even richer on a thrilling night at Dodger Stadium, thanks to one of the most dramatic home runs in recent playoff memory. In Game 3 of the 2025 National League Division Series, slugger Kyle Schwarber broke out of a frustrating slump by launching a staggering 455-foot home run that electrified fans and sparked a vital Phillies rally against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Hero Emerges When It Matters Most
With the Phillies trailing by a run and facing a strong start from Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the pressure was mounting. Schwarber, having endured an 0-for-22 dry spell dating back to the regular season, stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning. In an instant, he connected with a pitch and sent it flying deep over the right-field seats, tying the game and swinging momentum firmly in Philadelphia’s favor. According to Statcast, the ball left Schwarber’s bat at a blistering 117.4 mph, making it the second-hardest-hit home run of his entire career.
Making Baseball History
This home run did more than tie the score—it added Schwarber’s name to the annals of baseball greatness. It was his 22nd career postseason home run, tying him with Yankees legend Bernie Williams for third-most all time in Major League Baseball history. Only Manny Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (27) remain ahead of Schwarber on this prestigious list. Notably, this was Schwarber’s fifth career playoff homer to travel at least 450 feet, setting a modern record for the most such postseason blasts since Statcast began tracking in 2015. For context, the only other player to accomplish more than one postseason homer of that distance is Freddie Freeman—with two.
The Turning Point of Game 3
Yamamoto had been in full control, silencing the Phillies’ offense through three innings and sowing doubt among fans. But Schwarber’s moonshot had an immediate impact, not just tying the game, but igniting a crucial three-run rally that flipped the scoreboard and gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead. The energy in the Phillies’ dugout was palpable, with Schwarber’s success breathing new life into the team’s playoff ambitions.
Overcoming Adversity
Schwarber’s heroic moment came after a difficult stretch at the plate, which included starting the NLDS 0-for-8 with five strikeouts. Breaking his slump in such dramatic fashion is a testament to his resilience and big-game pedigree. This game-changing home run was also the Phillies’ first hit of the night, proving how one player’s determination can shift the entire mood and direction of a critical playoff contest.
The Schwarbomb Phenomenon
Kyle Schwarber has built a reputation for delivering towering postseason home runs—so much so that his signature shots have earned the nickname “Schwarbombs.” No other player in modern postseason history has hit as many home runs of this distance and magnitude. Each Schwarbomb reminds fans and opponents alike that the Phillies always have the power to strike back, even in the most challenging moments.
Kyle Schwarber’s 455-foot home run in Game 3 of the 2025 NLDS was more than just a highlight-reel play. It changed the course of the game, revived the Phillies’ offense, and cemented Schwarber’s place among baseball’s all-time postseason greats. As Philadelphia continues its postseason quest, the morale boost provided by Schwarber’s heroic blast could be the spark that lights their path toward another shot at World Series glory.
