Schwindel hits special HR in front of family, friends originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Frank Schwindel pumped both fists in the air as he jogged back to the Cubs dugout, smiling to a group of fans in the first few rows of the crowd.
Schwindel had just hit a two-run home run — in front of a contingent of family and friends who made the trip to Philadelphia for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.
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"He's got a lot of people here, a lot of supporters that were loud tonight on that home run," said Cubs manager David Ross of Schwindel, a native of nearby New Jersey.
"It definitely stands out. When he hits them here and close to home, that's a good moment for him."
A number of those supporters sat behind the Cubs dugout Wednesday night. Schwindel jerseys were a common sight in the first few rows.
A group of five fans rocked shirts that read "Frank the Tank" on the front, each with a letter on the back that spelled out "Tank!"
The home run was another special moment for Schwindel, who's been a bright spot since the Cubs called him up from Triple-A in the aftermath of the trade deadline.
The first baseman is hitting .362/.409/.684 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs in 40 games with the Cubs. He was named National League Rookie of the Month in August and took home NL Player of the Week honors earlier this month.
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He went 2-for-5 Wednesday, adding a double off the left field wall, in a 6-5 Phillies win
The Cubs welcomed Schwindel back to the dugout with high fives, that smile still on his face.
"It's always fun when Frankie comes in the dugout after a home run," Ross said. "I'll say that.
"He's always coming in with a lot of energy and pretty proud of himself when he comes in, and it shows a big smile on his face."
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