St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker was the biggest star on the Home Run Derby stage Monday night in Philadelphia. But his family members cheering him on from the stands might have been a close second.
As the 24-year-old Walker slugged his way to a victory over hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber in the final round, his parents’ emotional reaction to each and every homer provided a refreshingly human aspect to the slickly produced and sponsor-heavy event.
They became such a big part of the story that Walker’s father, Derek, was interviewed alongside his son after the win.
“He was awesome today,” Derek gushed. “I just loved everything about it. Just his attitude, his approach, the smoothness of swing. Looked like his dad. But yeah, he just did a great job. We’re so proud of him.”
That familial pride certainly came through during the competition, as the broadcast repeatedly cut to reactions from his dad and mom, Katrina, who were both sporting Cardinals jerseys with Walker’s No. 18 on the front and “Jordan’s Dad” and “Jordan’s Mom,” respectively, on the back.
“From an early age, he always loved the game. He always loved to play baseball. Loved to sleep with his glove. He always had a bat,” Derek continued.
“We traveled with it all the time. He ate, slept, thought baseball, and he just kept progressing. He just kept getting better and better and working on his craft. And again, we can’t be more proud.”
Walker’s parents were such a hit, they later joined the postgame set, along with his sister and grandmother, to chat with MLB superstars Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo.
Who’s cutting onions? 🥺
You’re going to want to watch this moment with Jordan Walker and his family after he won the T-Mobile Home Run Derby ❤️ #HRDerbypic.twitter.com/bhOeQdfBVg
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) July 14, 2026
It all made for a memorable evening for the Walker family, especially since the $1 million prize for winning the competition was more than he’ll earn in salary for the entire 2026 season.
It also made for a memorable evening for viewers who stuck around for the postgame celebration.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Walker may have won Home Run Derby, but his parents stole the show
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