First At-Bat Homers for Kyle Schwarber *and* Anthony Rizzo, While Javy Báez Flashes the Leather

Although our undefeated, first-place Chicago Cubs have provided us with more than enough entertainment and inner-peace to start the season, I can’t help but notice my eye drift across baseball today, where a trio of former Cubs players have made a lot of noise.

For example, Kyle Schwarber homered in his first at-bat as a Phillie, and followed it up with a curtain-call:

And look at that celebration … my god is that city happy to have him (and vice versa). Good for Schwarber, I hope he absolutely shoves this season, after finally having it all come together last year, his first away from the Cubs.

Either way, the energy in Philadelphia today is electric.

Elsewhere on the East Coast, Anthony Rizzo homered in HIS first at-bat of the season, though he’s been a Yankee since last season’s trade deadline:

And lastly, Javy Báez clearly hasn’t lost a step, showing off his excellent range and timing, plus that elite arm from deep in the hole at shortstop:

And he threw out a White Sox baserunner, so it really is a win-win for us. He also struck out on a slider low and away, so good to see somethings never change.

In any case, I think we’re all finally at peace about moving on from the former Cubs core, but I still like these players and enjoying seeing them do their thing on the diamond. If you’re looking for more, the Kris Bryant-led Colorado Rockies are kicking things off against the Dodgers any minute now.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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