Bryce Harper has been the most polarizing and hyped player
in recent history. After leaving high school early and enrolling in junior college,
Harper dominated the college ranks and became the number one overall pick and
was then handed a $9.9 million signing bonus. All this at the age 17.
Through his meteoric rise through the minors, Harper has
been criticized more than any player I can remember. From the blown kiss
incident to leaving school 2 years early, the majority of the criticism is all
about stuff that he will overcome as he matures, because remember…. he’s 19. If
you were fully matured and did not do anything regrettable as a teenager, then
you may criticize the non-baseball incidents, but if not then you have no right
to talk.
To see a young man who works hard at what he does should be
applauded not criticized. If the kid knew what he wanted to do and had the
opportunity to do it, why not go for it? Ambition and passion are what the
generations of kids now lack and Harper clearly has them.
Anyways, Harper brings what I feel is lacking from baseball
these days, Hustle. He cites one of his favorite players as Pete Rose (Charlie
Hustle). Rose ran hard no matter what the situation of the game; he even ended
a man’s career taking him out at home plate in the All Star Game. This video shows it all, he singles to right Heyward bobbles it the slightest bit, and Harper takes second.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=21780117&c_id=mlb
Another evidence of his hustle, Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels put a
pitch right into Harper’s back (admittedly on purpose), Harper did not look at Hamels
he put his head down and took his base. Harper’s retaliation was hitting Hamels
right where it hurt most, on the scoreboard. After reaching third, Harper stole
home off Hamels after he threw to first lazily tried to pickoff the runner on
first. That was the end of it, Hamels tried to show Harper his place, and
Harper showed Hamels he’s right where he’s supposed to be.
Harper is old school. His hustle, effort, eye black and even high
stirrup socks remind people of what baseball used to be. He even wears the
number 34 because his favorite player Mickey Mantle wore number 7 (3+4=7).
Lastly, Harper is bringing the spotlight back to baseball play
after spectacular play. Baseball is America’s Pastime in name only nowadays.
America’s real sport has unfortunately switched over to the NFL and the NBA is beginning
its rise after surviving the recent lockout. Baseball needs a player who can do
it all and have a legitimate superstar in which people will stop what they are
doing and watch.
I, an Atlanta Braves fan, pray that the Nationals lock
Harper up to a long term deal before the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox, and
other major market teams get a chance at him in free agency. I love seeing
smaller market teams lock up their talent (Evan Longoria, Matt Moore, Andrew
McCutchen) because it makes baseball more competitive and brings balance that
the league severely lacks. Also, selfishly, I look forward to getting to watch
him play the Braves 20-something times a year.
I wish Harper a long and successful career, and I look
forward to watching him play and that other young players will look at the way
he plays and apply it to their game.
