all star game: ATLANTA -- The 2025 MLB All-Star Game featured two of the world's best pitchers on the field to start for their respective leagues and two of the best position players in opposing lineups. It included the first automatic ball-strike system challenges in All-Star Game history, a powerful six-run comeback, a memorable appearance for a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and a beautiful tribute to the late Hank Aaron as he passed Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list.
But the performance, a remarkable one played at Truist Park on a chilly Tuesday night, will be remembered for how it ended.
When it was over, about four hours after the first pitch, the National League had outscored Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber in an unprecedented home run derby-style swing-off, with a 4-3 homer edge after nine innings of play, tied at 6-6.
After going 0-for-2 with a walk through nine innings, Schwarber pulverized three home runs on three swings in the swing-off, becoming the first position player to win All-Star Game MVP without recording a single hit in the game.
Schwarber's Heroics Seal NL Victory in All-Star Game with First-Ever Tiebreak Home Run Swing-Off
July 16, 2025 | Arlington, Texas
In a historic and electric finish, Kyle Schwarber etched his name into All-Star Game lore as he blasted a walk-off home run during the first-ever Tiebreak Home Run Swing-Off, leading the National League to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the American League.
Held at Globe Life Field in Texas, the 2025 MLB All-Star Game delivered on drama and spectacle as both leagues were tied at the end of regulation. This year introduced a brand-new twist: a Home Run Derby-style swing-off to break the tie—and Schwarber didn’t disappoint.
🔥 Schwarber Steps Up Big
Representing the Philadelphia Phillies, Schwarber launched a towering shot into the right field stands on his first swing of the showdown, stunning fans and players alike. The blast secured the NL’s first win in three years, breaking the AL's recent dominance in All-Star play.
“It was surreal,” Schwarber said postgame. “You dream of moments like these growing up. To do it in front of this crowd, wearing the NL jersey, it’s unforgettable.”
⚾ Game Highlights:
-
Early Power: AL jumped to a 3-1 lead by the 5th inning, courtesy of back-to-back hits from Aaron Judge and Julio Rodríguez.
-
NL Rally: Home runs from Freddie Freeman and Fernando Tatis Jr. tied it 4-4 in the 8th.
-
Pitching Duel: Bullpens from both sides dominated the 9th, setting the stage for the swing-off.
-
First-Ever Tiebreak Swing-Off: A rule inspired by the Home Run Derby, each team nominated one hitter to decide the winner in 3 swings.
-
Kyle Schwarber: Stepped in first for the NL—and didn’t need swing #2.
🏆 MVP Honors
Schwarber, unsurprisingly, was named 2025 All-Star Game MVP, his second career All-Star selection and first MVP trophy. His clutch performance under pressure may spark debates about keeping the swing-off format in future All-Star Games.
📜 A Historic Night for MLB
This year's mid-summer classic will be remembered for its mix of tradition and innovation. The MLB’s decision to use a swing-off tiebreaker was met with skepticism—but Schwarber’s walk-off blast turned it into instant legend.
Commissioner Rob Manfred noted:
“We wanted to bring excitement back into the All-Star Game, and tonight, the fans got exactly that.”
📺 What's Next
With the second half of the MLB season starting this week, the momentum from this unforgettable game could propel stars like Schwarber and Freeman into hot playoff races. The NL, rejuvenated from this victory, will be looking to ride this wave all the way to October.
💬 Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media moments after the game:
“Schwarber just did what legends do! That HR swing-off was FIRE!” – @baseballfan_22
“Best All-Star Game finish EVER. Give us more of this MLB!” – @sportsjunkie