Phillies' Kyle Schwarber Hopes Indiana Makes Deep NCAA Tournament Run

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber is hoping his alma mater, Indiana University, goes on a deep March Madness run in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Schwarber starred for the Indiana Hoosiers from 2012 through 2016, before the Chicago Cubs made him the fourth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. Schwarber is currently playing for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber is staying true to his roots.

When asked last week if he thought his alma mater, Indiana University, would make a deep run in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Schwarber responded, "I hope so."

I asked Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber if he thinks the Indiana Hoosiers will go on a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Kyle: "I hope so."

— Jack Vita (@JackVitaShow) March 9, 2023

After failing to reach the NCAA Tournament in each of Archie Miller's four seasons as head coach of the Hoosiers, IU returned to March Madness in 2022, under new head coach and Indiana alum Mike Woodson. The Hoosiers won a first four game over Wyoming to enter the round of 64 last year. The team fell in the round of 64, however, losing to five-seed St. Mary's 82-53.

The Hoosiers (22-11) enter Tournament play Friday as a four-seed, taking on 13-seed MAC champion Kent State (28-6).

Schwarber played for the Hoosiers baseball team from 2012 through 2014, before he was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft. Schwarber quickly ascended through the Cubs' minor league system, making his Major League debut June 16, 2015. Schwarber ended up being a key contributor for the Cubs throughout the season, including the postseason. An early April injury in 2016 sidelined Schwarber for much of the following season with a torn ACL, but Schwarber was able to rehab and recover, returning to the Cubs lineup in the World Series. Schwarber helped the Cubs snap a 108-year long championship drought, as the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games.

In his junior season and final year at Indiana, Schwarber batted .356 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI.

Schwarber is currently playing for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

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