Thursday, October 1, 2026
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
Phillies fans have waited nearly two decades to witness Ryan Howard's powerful home run swing sending balls flying out of the yard at Citizens Bank Park.
Fans who stuck around after Sunday afternoon's MLB Futures All-Star Game received that long-awaited opportunity, as Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Andruw Jones captained four teams in MLBx 3-on-3, a new event at the 2026 MLB All-Star Weekend.
Two teams battled in three rounds of two-minute timed swings with a simple goal: launch as many balls over the dark green wall between left and right centerfield.
A lifted stage was set up near the second base bag on the brown infield dirt at the old ballpark in Philly as fans enjoyed watching MLB veterans, Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) softball athletes, and even some members associated with the Philadelphia Eagles football team put on the various looks of the Phillies to battle each other and… the Atlanta Braves?
Andruw Jones, a new member of the MLB Hall of Fame inducted earlier this year, represented a team featuring NiJaree Carady (AUSL) and actor Antonio Cipriano under the Braves banner. He faced off against Team Victorino, featuring Phillies World Series-winning outfielder Rachel Garcia from the AUSL and rapper Eladio Carrion, in the throwback blue Phillies uniforms.
MORE: Gage Wood gets taste of being a big leaguer, wants more
Team Rollins had the Phillies alum shortstop rocking the home white jerseys alongside Tiara Jennings (AUSL) and Eagles alum Terrell Owens. Finally, Team Howard looked dapper in the cream-based home alternates behind the Phillies iconic first baseman, Alyssa Brito (AUSL) and Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mialata.
Team Howard took down Team Rollins in the first semifinal matchup, while Team Victorino earned a slim victory over the Braves faction to set up an all-Phillies final. In a bit of a surprise finish, Team Victorino used an impressive power display, leading to a victory for the squad in Powder Blue, 48-39.
Although his N.L. Futures squad lost earlier in the afternoon. Victorino came out swinging during the new event and walked off celebrating an MLBx victory. The Flyin' Hawaiian now holds bragging rights over his Championship-winning compadres in the City of Brotherly Love.
The MLB Futures All-Star Game and the MLBx: 3-on-3 event were the first on-field events of 2026 All-Star Weekend. MLB brings the star-studded, long ball-friendly Home Run Derby to South Philadelphia tomorrow night.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will do their best to delight baseball fans by launching cowhide towards the Center City Skyline beginning at 8 pm. The T-Mobile Home Run Derby will be carried on Netflix.
