Video: Phillies great Mike Schmidt has high praise for rookie Rhys Hoskins

Philadelphia Phillies rookie Rhys Hoskins has enjoyed a record-setting start to his career. Since making his major league debut on Aug. 10, Hoskins has clubbed 18 homers, setting a ridiculous pace that’s not likely to be equaled again any time soon.

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Can Hoskins keep it up? That is the question. And no better authority than Hall of Famer, Phillies legend and eight-time NL home run champion Mike Schmidt stopped by the Yahoo Studios this week to weigh in.

Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt stopped by the Yahoo Studios to discuss Phillies phenom Rhys Hoskins, debate which home run record Giancarlo Stanton is actually chasing and his comments on Odubel Herrera being a leader for the Phillies.
Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt stopped by the Yahoo Studios to discuss Phillies phenom Rhys Hoskins, debate which home run record Giancarlo Stanton is actually chasing and his comments on Odubel Herrera being a leader for the Phillies.

Schmidt gives his take on Hoskins hot start, and even compares him to a Yankees legend that might surprise some people.

With Giancarlo Stanton closing in on 60 home runs, the debate rages over what is to be considered the real record. Is it the 73 hit by Barry Bonds in 2001, amid baseball’s alleged PED breakout. Is it Mark McGwire 70 in 1998, which many believe signaled the true beginning of the steroid era? Or is it still Roger Maris’ 61 in 1961? We couldn’t let Schmidt get away without giving his opinion on that subject.

Schmidt also provides an update on his relationship with Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera, after drawing criticism for saying he wouldn’t build a team around Herrera or any other Spanish-speaking player.

It’s an informative interview that you can see in its entirety in the video above.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!