Kyle Schwarber Becomes Super Fan, Embraces Phillies Fans’ Passion for Indiana Football
Kyle Schwarber, the renowned slugger for the Philadelphia Phillies, is taking a break from the baseball spotlight to embrace his inner super fan. This Friday, he will be cheering for the Indiana Hoosiers as they face off against the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
Kyle Schwarber: A Journey from Baseball to Football Fandom
Schwarber, 32, grew up near Cincinnati with a deep passion for Ohio State football. However, his allegiance shifted to Indiana after playing for the Hoosiers’ baseball team for three seasons. During his time at Indiana, the baseball program transformed into a national contender. In stark contrast, the football team had struggled historically, posting one of the worst records in college football until recent improvements.
Embracing the Super Fan Experience
Reflecting on his experiences, Schwarber expressed admiration for the dedication of college football fans. “You live and die with every play,” he noted. He drew parallels between the commitment of Indiana football fans and those of Phillies supporters during the baseball season. Schwarber will serve as an honorary captain for his beloved Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl. He even narrated the team’s hype video prior to their victory in the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State.
- Event: Peach Bowl against Oregon
- Location: Atlanta
- Status: IU’s honorary captain
- Achievement: Narrated the team’s Big Ten Championship hype video
Schwarber’s passion for Indiana football is evident as he proudly wears IU gear leading up to game day and reaches out to his old college friends about the team’s progress. He dismissed claims of being a bandwagon fan, emphasizing his long-standing connection to the school.
A Remarkable Turnaround
The impressive resurgence of Indiana football began with the hiring of head coach Curt Cignetti in November 2023. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers progressed from a struggling team to a playoff contender. They reached the College Football Playoff last season and were ranked as the number one team just days before quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
“It’s surreal to witness this transformation,” Schwarber said. “I need to learn how Coach Cignetti turned everything around so quickly.” His enthusiasm for the current state of the program highlights the pride he feels as an alum.
Schwarber’s Personal Reflections
As Schwarber prepares for the upcoming baseball season—having signed a five-year, $150 million contract—he admits that his perspective on sports has evolved. Despite his calm demeanor now, he remains passionate and excitable when supporting his teams. His plans for Friday night include embracing the thrill of the game and sharing the experience with fellow fans.
“It’s the perfect escape,” Schwaber concluded. “Being back as a fan reminds you of why you love sports in the first place.” As he gears up to cheer for the Hoosiers, it’s clear that his heart lies not just in baseball but also in the magic of college football.
