Jordan Walker talks about the "really tough" Phillies fans during the lively home-run derby.

2026 Home Run Derby Recap

On Monday, Citizens Bank Park buzzed with energy as it played host to the 2026 Home Run Derby. Philadelphia’s passionate fans showed up, and you could really feel their intensity.

One standout was Jordan Walker, who not only smashed home runs in six straight games but also snagged his first Derby win. He ultimately triumphed over Kyle Schwarber from the Phillies by just a single home run, contributing to the St. Louis Cardinals’ first title in this event.

Post-victory, Walker reflected on the fervor of the Philadelphia crowd. “Philly is brutal,” he said, and yet he viewed that as something noteworthy. Their passion for local players really stood out. “It was amazing to hear such loud cheers, especially for guys like Schwarber and Harper,” he remarked. “Those players did their thing, and I just focus on my game.”

The fans at the park were vocal, and their boos echoed for anyone not wearing a Philly jersey throughout the event. It was quite the scene.

Interestingly, while Walker received a lot of the crowd’s heat, his father, Derek, found it somewhat touching how the fans recognized his son’s achievement.

“It was a blast with the Philadelphia fans. Surprisingly, some fans in our section were cheering for both Jordan and Schwarber,” he shared. “When Schwarber stepped up, we were like, ‘Alright, let’s support Jordan for a moment—just one home run is all it took for the win.’ They were terrific, really.” Derek noted that the loud boos were, in fact, a sign of respect. “By the end, it turned out to be a great atmosphere. I genuinely loved the crowd tonight,” he concluded.