ATLANTA — The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, with the National League (NL) defeating the American League (AL) 4-3 in a Home Run Derby-style swing-off after a 6-6 tie through the first nine innings.
The unprecedented tiebreaker, a baseball version of a hockey shootout, saw Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber hit three home runs to secure the victory for the Senior Circuit.
This thrilling conclusion was just one of many memorable moments in a game that featured the best pitchers and position players in the world, historic challenges, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Hank Aaron, all in front of a packed crowd at Truist Park.
The Swing-Off: Schwarber’s Moment to Shine
The game, which had appeared to be over after the NL took a commanding 6-0 lead in the seventh inning, turned into an exciting back-and-forth battle.
The AL mounted a four-run rally in the seventh, and in the ninth inning, Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI double and later scored the tying run to send the game into the swing-off.
Schwarber, a three-time All-Star who had never won a Home Run Derby despite reaching the finals in 2018, stepped up in the tiebreaker with the NL down 3-1. Despite going 0-for-2 with a walk in the game’s first nine innings, Schwarber’s power was undeniable in the swing-off.
He blasted three home runs in three swings, including a 428-foot laser to straightaway center, a 461-foot moonshot to right, and a 382-foot dinger to right field, sealing the victory for the NL.
“It was kind of like wiffle ball in the backyard,” said AL manager Aaron Boone, reflecting on the fun, spontaneous nature of the tiebreaker. Schwarber’s performance earned him the All-Star Game MVP, marking the first time in history that a position player won the award without recording a hit in the game.
Notable Performances and Historic Moments
Before the swing-off, the game featured some incredible pitching performances. Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ sensation, made history as the first pitcher to start consecutive All-Star Games in his first two seasons. He delivered a dominant inning, striking out two batters, including Riley Greene and Gleyber Torres, both with 100 mph fastballs.
Clayton Kershaw, the 11-time All-Star, made a memorable appearance, possibly his last in the Midsummer Classic, relieving Skenes in the second inning. Kershaw struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with an 87 mph slider and delivered a vintage performance, earning an emotional farewell from manager Dave Roberts.
The game also marked the first MLB game outside of spring training to feature the automated ball-strike system (ABS), allowing teams to challenge calls on pitch location.
The system was tested in the All-Star Game, and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers became the first pitcher to successfully challenge a call, ensuring that history was made both on and off the field.
Tribute to Hank Aaron
A touching tribute to Hank Aaron, who famously surpassed Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in Atlanta, highlighted the night. The tribute, featuring stunning visuals and fireworks representing Aaron’s 715th home run, was a poignant moment for everyone in attendance.
Aaron’s wife, Billye, watched from the stands as the baseball world honored the legendary slugger’s legacy.
The All-Star Game Experience
The 2025 All-Star Game not only showcased the best of baseball’s talent but also introduced exciting innovations and emotional moments.
From the new ABS system to the historic swing-off, the game pushed the boundaries of what we expect from All-Star events. With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Pete Alonso all taking part, it was a true celebration of the sport.
As the game ended, Jason Roberts, the NL manager, summed up the night: “First time in history we got to do this, and I think it played pretty well tonight.”
