As a part-time Nats fan, I have loved Harper since he arrived. Before he played his first game, he came to town and walked the National Mall, stopped by our softball team, and took my place in the lineup to try and swing (he missed his first attempt, then flied out). When I shook his hand, I couldn't believe this was an 18-year-old. Me: "Damn, that's a grip."
Everyone continues to remember that Harper was a fiery player when he was coming up. He wasn't Junior or A-Rod. You'll notice he didn't have a nickname. But his brashness was a turnoff, which is hilarious to think about now, given who we have elected into the highest government offices.
Bryce just played. He was great off the field. (I had friends who worked for the Nats, and the stuff he did for LLS over the years was genuine and impactful.) He showed up, and like he said, he gave that organization his all. If the Phillies are stupid enough to trade him, GREAT, but please ship him to say, the Cleveland Guardians! WIN WIN!
It sucks that the Nats let him walk. I knew in a few years his contract wouldn't be so bad, and the Lerners have so much money they forget that they have so much money. I'm still upset they deferred so much of it - and people ended up being pissed at Harper. I don't blame him at all.
He came up a catcher and played the outfield great, then moved to first base and plays great. It's a dang shame more people don't enjoy this Hall of Famer more, because he makes baseball waaay more fun.
That’s cool context. I didn’t follow him much when he was the Nats. I guess the #1 in any organization gets the credit/blame, but the Bryce hate is nonsense.
“At worst, it was a conniving attempt to gain leverage.” I agree with your assessment of Dombroski who doesn’t want a Harper extension. To err is human, to blame others shows management potential.
Actually he is "old." Baseball numbers traditionally drop after he age of 30,so if a .844 OPS is unacceptable it isn't getting any better than that from here on out.
Thank you for this great post. If the Phil’s get a championship in the next few years it will be because of Bryce Harper.
🎯
As a part-time Nats fan, I have loved Harper since he arrived. Before he played his first game, he came to town and walked the National Mall, stopped by our softball team, and took my place in the lineup to try and swing (he missed his first attempt, then flied out). When I shook his hand, I couldn't believe this was an 18-year-old. Me: "Damn, that's a grip."
Everyone continues to remember that Harper was a fiery player when he was coming up. He wasn't Junior or A-Rod. You'll notice he didn't have a nickname. But his brashness was a turnoff, which is hilarious to think about now, given who we have elected into the highest government offices.
Bryce just played. He was great off the field. (I had friends who worked for the Nats, and the stuff he did for LLS over the years was genuine and impactful.) He showed up, and like he said, he gave that organization his all. If the Phillies are stupid enough to trade him, GREAT, but please ship him to say, the Cleveland Guardians! WIN WIN!
It sucks that the Nats let him walk. I knew in a few years his contract wouldn't be so bad, and the Lerners have so much money they forget that they have so much money. I'm still upset they deferred so much of it - and people ended up being pissed at Harper. I don't blame him at all.
He came up a catcher and played the outfield great, then moved to first base and plays great. It's a dang shame more people don't enjoy this Hall of Famer more, because he makes baseball waaay more fun.
Another great essay.
That’s cool context. I didn’t follow him much when he was the Nats. I guess the #1 in any organization gets the credit/blame, but the Bryce hate is nonsense.
“At worst, it was a conniving attempt to gain leverage.” I agree with your assessment of Dombroski who doesn’t want a Harper extension. To err is human, to blame others shows management potential.
Funny
Actually he is "old." Baseball numbers traditionally drop after he age of 30,so if a .844 OPS is unacceptable it isn't getting any better than that from here on out.
For your female readership we can contribute he’s certainly top 5 hottest players but does need a haircut