From his working-class upbringing to his love of local sports talk radio, Bryce Harper has made a connection with his chosen city like few others ever have.
routine is no different than many Philadelphia sports fans. On his drive into the city from his home in the suburb of Haddonfield, New Jersey, he listens to local sports talk radio. Often, he walks into Citizens Bank Park wearing gear of a Philadelphia sports team. Then Harper changes into his uniform, rolls up his sleeves and gets to work.
Harper began endearing himself to a fan base known for its rough edges from the moment he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract before the 2019 season. He famously overruled agent Scott Boras' insistence to include an opt-out, wanting to show loyalty to the place he planned to spend the rest of his career. He also turned down an opportunity to don No. 34 -- his number with the-- declaring that Hall of Fame pitcher Roy Halladay "should be the last to wear it.
"I kind of always thought the city suited him and it was only a matter of time before he got here," saidabout the Strip. There are neighborhoods and locals and working class people all over -- just not necessarily where tourists go. It's more blue-collar than many think.Harper's father, Ron, is an iron worker who did local construction for 30 years; his extended family all worked "blue-collar jobs" as well.
"He's been in the spotlight since he was 14," former Phillies manager Larry Bowa said. "That has a lot to do with it. He's had pressure on him his whole life. When you come here, you better be able to deal with it. That doesn't bother him."work ethic more apparent than his months of rehab after his November 2022 Tommy John surgery. The initial timetable had him rejoining the team around the 2023 All-Star break, but he had a different plan.
The results so far tell the story. According to ESPN Stats & Information, his range moving to his right has improved since last year and he ranks near the top of the league in outs above average and defensive runs saved . Through Wednesday, Harper's had 251 chances at first base without an error. Harper was already hearing it from the fans on his first Opening Day as a Phillie, in 2019 -- and he wouldn't have it any other way.
That culture of accountability has spread through a clubhouse filled with players who have come to join Harper in Philadelphia, a city that is now a destination for big-name free agents. First it wasTogether, they have formed a core beloved in the city as few Philadelphia teams -- in any sport -- have been before.
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