CHICAGO – Rate Field witnessed a remarkable display of power as White Sox rookie Colson Montgomery launched the longest home run of the 2025 season at the stadium, surpassing a notable blast by Phillies hitter Kyle Schwarber. On Sunday, during the first inning of Chicago’s 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, Montgomery connected on an impressive 452-foot homer, eclipsing Schwarber’s 441-foot effort from July 29. This feat solidifies Montgomery’s rising status in the league and highlights exciting moments for fans at Rate Field.
Details Behind Montgomery’s Record-Setting Blast
The home run came off an 89.8 mph cutter low in the strike zone, struck with an exit velocity of 114.5 mph, which sent the ball flying deep over right field. This 452-foot shot marks the longest home run recorded at Rate Field during the 2025 campaign and ranks as the second-longest by a White Sox player this year, trailing only Michael A. Taylor’s 464-foot homer hit in Colorado. Importantly, it is the longest homer at the home stadium since Luis Robert Jr. launched a 470-foot blast against the Rockies on June 29, 2024.
Players React to Montgomery’s Powerful Swing
Davis Martin, White Sox starting pitcher, praised the homer enthusiastically, highlighting the excitement it generated on the bench.
“It’s something about a lefty swing, man. Sitting on the bench we were in the middle of our in between meeting and you just hear ‘crack’ and you just see everybody’s head rip up and we’re just like ‘Oh my god, that ball’s destroyed.’
—Davis Martin, White Sox Starting Pitcher
Second baseman Lenyn Sosa also marveled at the power behind the hit, stating
“The power that he has to hit the ball that far is unbelievable.”
—Lenyn Sosa, White Sox Second Baseman
Manager’s Perspective on the Montomery vs. Schwarber Power Contest
White Sox manager Will Venable weighed in on Montgomery’s accomplishment, linking it to Schwarber’s earlier home run at the ballpark.
“That was up there. That was pretty good. Schwarber hit a good one the other day. I thought Colson’s one-upped Schwarber there. But yeah, he’s got a ton of power, just a really good swing on a really good at-bat.”
—Will Venable, White Sox Manager
Indiana Roots Connect Two Power Hitters
Both Montgomery and Schwarber share Hoosier roots in Indiana, adding a special layer of pride to their powerful performances. Kyle Schwarber, an Indiana University graduate, has cemented his place among the university’s most accomplished alumni, especially after leading the Hoosiers to their sole College World Series appearance in 2013. In 2025, Schwarber was selected for induction into the Indiana Athletics Hall of Fame, though his ceremony is deferred due to <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>Major League Baseball scheduling conflicts.
Montgomery hails from Holland, Indiana, located in the southwest part of the state. He attended Southridge High School in Huntingburg, where he boasted a standout senior year, hitting .338 with seven home runs, nine doubles, 23 RBIs, 41 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases while helping his team win the IHSAA Class 3A championship. Committed initially to Indiana University under coach Jeff Mercer, Montgomery ultimately signed with the White Sox after being selected 22nd overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, securing a $3.027 million signing bonus.
Montgomery Reflects on His Achievement and Connection to Schwarber
Montgomery expressed pride in surpassing Schwarber’s 441-foot home run distance at Rate Field, calling the moment “pretty cool” despite limited game experience at the stadium. Reflecting on the significance, he said,
“That’s cool. When [Schwarber] hit that, I felt like that was the farthest ball I had ever seen hit. I haven’t played many games here at the Rate, but to do that is pretty cool.”
Montgomery also described the approach he takes at the plate, focusing on natural techniques and minimal effort for success.
“When I try to be low effort and not really try to do too much, I feel like good things happen. That was one of the farthest ones I’ve hit in my career so I kind of watched it a little bit too. I just felt like it was a little motivation and kind of momentum for the guys. I wanted to get the guys fired up. I try to not show much emotion but I was trying to get the guys fired up.”
—Colson Montgomery, White Sox Rookie Infielder
Montgomery’s Rapid Rise in the Major Leagues
The rookie is on an impressive hot streak in his inaugural MLB season, hitting nine home runs in his last 17 games. This performance ties him with Schwarber, Julio Rodriguez, and Shea Langeliers for the most home runs in the league since July 22. Montgomery’s ascent is notable given his initial struggles in Triple-A, where physical and mental adjustments were necessary during a trip to Arizona before securing his place in the majors.
Montgomery credits a specialized “torpedo” bat for some of his recent power surge. The bat features a thicker barrel near the handle, tapering toward the end, complementing his 6-foot-3 frame and long arms. Despite breaking one on August 1, he received a new shipment in time for his Sunday homer.
“Once I got it, I felt it was pretty natural. When I had to use a normal bat, I felt like there was too much weight at the end,”
Montgomery explained.
“It kind of made me out and around and pull happy, I guess. When I have a Torpedo in my hand, I guess, I feel tight to the ball and can let the ball track a little bit more and I can whip it to the zone faster.”
Montgomery’s Mindset and Future Outlook
Montgomery’s progression from a top prospect to a major league contributor underscores his resilience and determination. After overcoming setbacks, he expressed a grounded and focused outlook on his current role.
“I think now I’m just here playing. This is fun. This is why I’m here. This is where I wanted to be and kind of when I got up here it’s all that weight lifted off my shoulders. I gave myself, if I had a good game, bad game, I didn’t want to get too high or too low because you never know what’s going to happen. The plan is to win every single night so that’s about it.”
—Colson Montgomery, White Sox Rookie Infielder
Impact of the Power Display at Rate Field
The duel between Montgomery and Schwarber at Rate Field has energized the Chicago White Sox fanbase and placed a spotlight on the impressive power coming from players with Indiana ties. Montgomery’s home run not only set a new mark for the season but also signals the arrival of a promising young talent poised to make a significant impact in the league. As the season progresses, Montgomery’s ongoing performance could be vital to the White Sox’s offensive surge, while Schwarber’s steady power remains a benchmark in Major League Baseball.