Time for drumrolls…the National League stacked the winning odds in their favor in the first-ever swing-off in the MLB All-Star game. Despite blowing a six-run lead, the National League defeated the American League 4-3 on a home run swing-off as the game was tied 6-6.
Both teams sent three players to the plate with three swings each, creating a mini-Home Run Derby as the ultimate decision maker. This swing-off feature was interestingly loved by the fans as the calls mounted that it should replace extra innings in the game.
@MLB…please make this All-Star Game tiebreaker a thing for the regular season! I’d much rather have a swing off than do the ghost runner rule in extras. Then do what hockey does in the playoffs and just play till there’s a winner for the postseason! #MLB #AllStarGame
— Wyatt Reed (@wreedradio13) July 16, 2025
From AL, Kyle Stowers and Randy Arozarena hit one each, giving the team a total of three. On the other hand, for the NL which won by 4-3, it all came down to Kyle Schwarber, who hit a home run on all three swings.
Fans Embrace MLB’s Swing-Off Debut
The debut of MLB’s Swing Off at the 2025 All-Star Game was a success. You’ll know why!
As soon as it was announced, it sent a jolt through the baseball world, and fans had plenty to say. An X user noted, “@MLB…please make this All-Star Game tiebreaker a thing for the regular season! I’d much rather have a swing-off than do the ghost runner rule in extras. Then do what hockey does in the playoffs and just play till there’s a winner for the postseason! #MLB #AllStarGame” The current ‘ghost runner’ rule used in extra innings is clearly disliked by MLB enthusiasts. Instead, they want the league to fully embrace the new Swing-Off format.
Even traditionalists found themselves surprised by how much they enjoyed the format: “I’m pretty much a baseball traditionalist in many ways. But the Home Run Swing Off was pretty entertaining. #ASG”
Meanwhile, some believed the swing-off format can reduce the injury setbacks: “Honestly, to prevent more injuries in extra innings, just have a swing-off.”
Kyle Schwarber’s three home run blast had the fans raving, and clearly they are all in to see the Swing-Off format being implemented in regular games too: “The Swing Off is electric!! I’m all for it #AllStarGame2025”
Another fan noted, “F— a runner on second. Give me a swing off after nine.” The extra-inning rule was heavily criticized. And preference for a tiebreaker like a home run derby after nine innings was highly touted!
The post Baseball Fans All In as MLB’s Swing Off Debut at All-Star Game Triggers Call to End Extra Innings appeared first on EssentiallySports.