Kyle Schwarber's Foundation Block Party In Philly Raised Nearly Half A Million Dollars For First Responders, But The Real Story Is The Mission He's Been Building For Years Now

It's no secret to anybody that I am a big Schwarber guy. And I am a bigger fan of good people doing great things.

Kyle Schwarber has always played the game with a certain kind of fire. You see it in his swing. You see it in his eyes when he rounds first after launching one into the stratosphere. But what you might not see unless you’re paying close attention is what he does off the field. And that part of his legacy might ultimately prove even more powerful.

On June 11, Schwarber hosted his annual Schwarber’s Block Party in Philadelphia, and it was a full-on win for his nonprofit Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes, an organization that supports first responders, military members, and their families. 

The event raised just under $400k in a single night, bringing real impact to people who serve their communities and often go unrecognized for it. The organization focuses on various things to help first responders and their families, including a big need in the first responder community- mental health. They work with great nonprofits like Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, Team Foster,  The Philly Police Foundation, and The Philly Fire Foundation, and others. 

Here’s their mission video:

Kyle does things like visit police and fire station: 

Hosted Families at the Park: 

Hosted a family of an officer to go see WrestleMania at the link: 

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But here is the thing. This is not a new side project or a flash-in-the-pan charitable effort. Schwarber has been doing this since his Chicago Cubs days. He launched the original version of the foundation in 2017, following a life spent in service. His father was a police chief.His Mother is a dispatcher. Siblings and cousins all scattered about the first responder and military community.  His family understood the commitment, the sacrifice, and the toll that comes with wearing a uniform. No doubt, this guy would be one beast of a cop. I can’t imagine getting pulled over by Schwarber and giving him attitude. 

When COVID hit, the foundation’s work was put on pause. Schwarber bounced between teams, including Washington and Boston, waiting for the right fit. Then came 2022. The universal DH was finally adopted, Schwarber’s market value soared, and he landed in Philadelphia. It turned out to be a perfect match.

Philly is a city that values toughness and authenticity. Schwarber brought both. He fit right into the clubhouse and into the community. He did not just bring his bat, he brought his mission.

This year’s Block Party had it all. Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh joined Kyle on stage. Players from the Philadelphia Flyers came out in support. The event was hosted by Ryan Dempster, Schwarber’s former Cubs teammate, who donated his time and energy to help bring the crowd together with that classic mix of comedy and sincerity only Dempster can pull off. Side note: Demp does stand up and hosts a talk-show style show at events like MLB’s version of Lollapolooza, called Innings Fest, each year in spring training. 

There was a live and silent auction loaded with signed memorabilia, exclusive experiences, and one-of-a-kind items. But the night was not about prizes. It was about purpose. The kind of purpose that makes people believe in something bigger than themselves.

And this is what separates Schwarber from most. He is not doing this for PR. He is doing it because it matters to him. That is exactly why he has been a multiple-time nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s highest honor for community involvement and character. And if you consider the work he has done, not just this year but over time, he should absolutely be in the conversation to win it outright.

Think about it. He has built a full nonprofit organization around supporting first responders and military families. He has raised millions of dollars while maintaining one of the most consistent and feared power bats in the league. And he shows up. To events. To meetings. To moments that are not convenient or camera-ready. He does not just care. He is involved.

Let us talk baseball for a second. Schwarber is still producing at a high level. He is only 31 years old and has already hit 308 career home runs, including 24  so far this season. He is a two-time All-Star, a National League home run leader, and currently ranks in the top ten all-time in leadoff home runs. He is on pace once again to eclipse 40 home runs this year, which would mark the fourth time he has done it in his career.

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His postseason resume is equally stacked. He has hit 20 career playoff home runs, including bombs in the World Series, the NLCS, and just about every big moment imaginable. He holds the record for most home runs in NLCS history with 11 and also owns the most postseason home runs ever by a left-handed hitter with 21.

And as if that was not enough, he also broke the Major League Baseball single-season leadoff home run record in 2024 with 15, surpassing Alfonso Soriano. He has 46 career leadoff home runs, good for ninth all-time. He is also the only player in history to homer in the Little League World Series, the Major League Baseball World Series, and the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Among players from that 2016 Cubs championship team, Schwarber might just be the most productive and durable in the long run. His approach has matured, his discipline at the plate has improved, and his value has not dipped, even as the league around him continues to change.

He is, without a doubt, lining himself up for another major contract. And the beauty of it is, teams know they are not just paying for the bat. They are getting the leader. The example. The person you hope he is.

Ask anyone who works with him. He is not doing this for the headlines. He is doing it because it is the right thing to do. Because he remembers where he came from. Because he knows what service looks like, he wants to ensure that those people are never forgotten.

The Block Party was a big night for Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes. But it was also a reminder that sometimes the best thing a person can do with a spotlight is use it to shine light on someone else.

And if baseball has any sense of justice, Kyle Schwarber will get his moment on the field and off, because guys like this do not come around often. Congrats on 10 years in the MLB, Schwarbs. 

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PS. Their logo is awesome:

The SNH logo patch is uniquely designed to incorporate baseball, first responders, and military personnel. It's shaped like a baseball field and the stars represent the three main branches of first responders: police, fire, and military personnel. The "12" located in the upper left corner is Kyle’ jersey number, placed in his position in left field, and the colors represent our great country. 

The stitched patch is shared with our first responder and military personnel friends as a small symbol of our appreciation.