Bryce Harper: Exactly What Baseball Needs

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.