What's the story behind Kyle Schwarber's salute? Looking at hand gesture that gave Team USA their signature celebration in WBC

Kyle Schwarber, the left-handed power hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, has become renowned for his signature salute, which he uses to celebrate big moments on the baseball field. The iconic salute celebration first gained widespread attention during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, when Team USA made their historic run to win the tournament for the first time.

Schwarber was born in Middletown, Ohio, in 1993. He grew up playing baseball and was a standout player in high school. He went on to play college baseball at Indiana University, where he was named a first-team All-American in 2014.

After his college career, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. He quickly made a name for himself in the Cubs organization and was called up to the major leagues in 2015.

The iconic salute celebration is nothing new in the game of baseball or any other sport for that matter. Team USA had done the celebration in their previous run to the WBC title too. However, it has picked up again with renewed vigor after Kyle Schwarber started doing it in the 2023 edition of the tournament, which was quickly picked up by his teammates and fans alike.

The salute has become a beloved tradition among Schwarber's teammates and fans. It's a way for them to show their support for the military and to honor those who have served. Schwarber said in an interview that he started doing the celebration as a way to honor the men and women of the US military.

Kyle Schwarber's salute has gained a life of its own as the WBC has progressed, along with other celebrations that include Japan's pepper grinder and an array of Randy Arozarena poses. Fans were quick to take up the celebration in the hopes that it would bring the same good fortune it did in their 2017 WBC championship run.

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Kyle Schwarber's Team USA set to face Japan in ultimate WBC showdown between two heavyweights

Kyle Schwarber is set to play an important role in Team USA's defense of their WBC title against Team Japan. The Philadelphia Phillies power hitter has been an integral part of the team and will look to continue his impressive form in the tournament.

Schwarber's iconic celebration is sure to be repeated in the final of the tournament as well. It has become a symbol of patriotism, team unity and a way for players and fans alike to show their support for the military and pride in representing their country.