The Philadelphia Phillies enter 2024 coming off of a 2022 World Series loss to the Houston Astros and a 2023 NLCS blown 3-2 series lead against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In other words, they can taste it.
"I mean I can't say greater focus because our focus has been so key every year," 31-year-old All-Star designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber told Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on Monday's 94WIP Morning Show live in Clearwater.
"Even walking into '22, our focus was get to the World Series. We want to get there and win it. That's our goal every single year. It's the cliche thing to say, but when you have a talented group you believe that and you expect it. And we expect a lot out of ourselves and we want to get it done. When you show up to the Bank and it's 43,000 [people] rocking, you got that on your side. We want to get it done, we want to go down a parade right? But it's not easy. God, it's not easy. This s**t is not easy. When you have all that behind you it's just that added gear to that, that you can hold on to."
Schwarber, who has 46 and 47 home runs the last two seasons respectively since joining the Phils, won a World Series in 2016 as a member of the Chicago Cubs. He only played two regular season games that season before tearing his ACL and shockingly returning for Game 1 of the World Series.
The now veteran slugger has become a locker room rock for the Phillies and a somewhat controversial lead off hitter, batting just .207 as a Phillie and .227 for his career. However, his .340 career on-base percentage is aided by his ability to generate 550 walks over his nine-year career.
"I think the biggest thing at the end of the day is where they want me to be [in the lineup]," Schwarber said. "The only thing I can worry about is trying to be the best version of myself to help the team win...I can't control anything else."