OT: Bryce Harper, Class Act

[HOF Auto Rookies]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130705&content_id=52807226&vkey=news_was&c_id=was&partnerId=ed-7289067-575557963

What a great story, still shows some players these days truly care. Awesome how Bryce asked him to sign a ball for him to keep in his locker. He truly is old-school and a class act for being just 20.

[cardsfan73]

What a great story! Harper has made a new fan out of me.

[auggiedoggy]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130705&content_id=52807226&vkey=news_was&c_id=was&partnerId=ed-7289067-575557963

What a great story, still shows some players these days truly care. Awesome how Bryce asked him to sign a ball for him to keep in his locker. He truly is old-school and a class act for being just 20.

+1

[tiger8mush]

puts a lump in your throat

[packs]

Wow. Really nice story. I like that nearly every story I read about Harper is a positive one. I did not expect him to be such a nice guy when he came up.

[whitehse]

I followed the stories of Harper from when he was a 16 year old until the time he was making his way to the majors and honestly, I didnt like him. I thought he was brash, cocky and someone who didn't respect the game. As time has gone by I think he has matured and is really starting to make a fan out of me. Lets hope he doesn't do something to screw it up but he is headed down the right road so far.

[Kenny Cole]

puts a lump in your throat

+1

[the 'stache]

Bryce gets it. It sounds like his immense talent is only exceeded by the size of his heart. When I read that he took Gavin's autographed ball, and put it in his locker....I've gotta admit, I choked up a little. It was such a simple, but original and thoughtful gesture.

I bought this card about a year ago, and spent a ridiculous amount for a modern card. I figured he was a can't miss star in the making, so I thought it was a wise investment:

http://imageshack.us/a/img580/3686/2011chromebharperbgs.png

Now that I've seen him in the show, how he plays the game, and how he has his head and heart in the right place, I'm just proud to own it.

I became a Bryce Harper fan today. He just hit it out of the park. Thank you for sharing this, Brent!

[t213]

On the National Mall there are many adult softball games each spring and summer afternoon. On a couple of occasions, Bryce has stopped by the games hung out with the players and even took a few swings at bat.

Andy

[Eric72]

I completely agree that Harper showed quite a bit of class by doing this. Candidly, I got the same lump in my throat when reading that story...several times.

While not as nice as Bill's autographed issue, I have purchased one Bryce Harper card. I now get the distinct feeling it won't be my last.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b498/EricsPhotographs/BryceHarper_zps5b5cb3ee.jpg

Best Regards,

Eric

[deucetwins]

Excited to know that after the steroid era, we have this era to look forward to, admire, and draw inspiration from.

[Iron Horse]

Great story, and thanks for sharing. Great to see players that care about others & how they can brighten ones life.

[CMIZ5290]

I followed the stories of Harper from when he was a 16 year old until the time he was making his way to the majors and honestly, I didnt like him. I thought he was brash, cocky and someone who didn't respect the game. As time has gone by I think he has matured and is really starting to make a fan out of me. Lets hope he doesn't do something to screw it up but he is headed down the right road so far.

+1....

[Leon]

Lump in throat and a tear in the eye. Great story. Bryce is the kind of MLB player that actually gets it. Kudo's to him. And say a prayer for Gavin.....sounds like a sweet kid.

[Big Ben]

What a great story! Thanks for posting this!

[t206blogcom]

Harper is my favorite modern player and I'm stoked to get to see him play most home games as a season ticket holder. I find him to be a class act and this article speaks to that. I'm also picking up as many of his cards as I can. Not because I'm trying to profit in the long run, but because I'm a true fan.

Two of my favorite Harper cards. I know it's not pre-war, but at least they sort of look like pre-war. :D

http://www.t206blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2012-Topps-Allen-Ginter-Bryce-Harper-PSA-10-GEM-Mint.jpg
http://www.t206blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2012-Topps-Allen-Ginter-Mini-Bryce-Harper-PSA-10-GEM-Mint.jpg

[jimivintage]

Makes me want to go hug my kids right now. I don't even want to think about the possibility of losing one of my girls....

[yanks12025]

Speaking of harper, there's no way he should have been on the all star team this year. How does a guy batting .260 make the team but a .336 hitter doesn't. He should give up his spot.

[the 'stache]

I agree with Brock in principle. Bryce isn't worthy of an All Star selection this year because he missed too much time, and doesn't have the numbers. The kid is going to be a perennial selection, but he didn't earn it this year.

But you know what, guys? I'm not too upset that he's going to be there, either, especially after reading this article. In fact, I'm more excited to watch the game because I know he will be there. Bryce might launch a 460 foot home run, or catch a fly ball at the warning track, and throw somebody out on the fly trying to score from third. The All Star Game is about recognizing the greats of the game, but it's also supposed to be entertaining (otherwise, we could just select a team, and not play the game). The game's going to be more fun to watch because Harper plays the game like Pete Rose used to play the game. He gives 100% effort every play, and if I were a dad wanting to show my son how the game was supposed to be played, he'd be the perfect example. Bryce Harper's effort, and his heart, honors the game itself, as well as the greats that have come before him.

By the way, very nice Harper cards, guys ;)

I'll share two more of my favorites, as it's not often I get to share my cards here, because I don't have any vintage or pre war yet to speak of:

http://imageshack.us/a/img62/2592/2010chromeusabharper.pnghttp://imageshack.us/a/img109/8775/11platinumbharper.png

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

[Runscott]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130705&content_id=52807226&vkey=news_was&c_id=was&partnerId=ed-7289067-575557963

What a great story, still shows some players these days truly care. Awesome how Bryce asked him to sign a ball for him to keep in his locker. He truly is old-school and a class act for being just 20.

Thanks, Brent - that was a great story.

[npa589]

Thank you for sharing, Brent. I wish all athletes used their platform in this way.

Gavin Rupp is the hero in this, and I love that Harper recognized that!

This year, I'll be rooting for the Nats. Gavin could throw out the first pitch in the World Series!

[the 'stache]

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

As of may 26th, the last game he played before his injury, he was hitting .287 with 12 HR and 23 RBI in 44 games. He was having a really good season from a power numbers standpoint, but he was nowhere near the best player in the NL when he got hurt.

Compare Harper to two guys on the Brewers, for example (stats as of may 28th)

Bryce Harper: .287 AVG, 29 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB, 2 CS. .386 OBP/.587 SLG/.973 OPS

Carlos Gomez: .331 AVG, 28 runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 9 SB, 2 CS. .376 OBP/.611 SLG/.987 OPS

Jean Segura: .365 AVG, 30 runs, 6 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB, 1 CS. .400 OBP/.569 SLG/.969 OPS

Bryce has incredible upside, but he's not at any point been the best player in the NL this season, in my humble opinion.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

As of may 26th, the last game he played before his injury, he was hitting .287 with 12 HR and 23 RBI in 44 games. He was having a really good season from a power numbers standpoint, but he was nowhere near the best player in the NL when he got hurt.

Compare Harper to two guys on the Brewers, for example (stats as of may 28th)

Bryce Harper: .287 AVG, 29 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB, 2 CS. .386 OBP/.587 SLG/.973 OPS

Carlos Gomez: .331 AVG, 28 runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 9 SB, 2 CS. .376 OBP/.611 SLG/.987 OPS

Jean Segura: .365 AVG, 30 runs, 6 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB, 1 CS. .400 OBP/.569 SLG/.969 OPS

Bryce has incredible upside, but he's not at any point been the best player in the NL this season, in my humble opinion.


In looking at his numbers, he went off in April and May was below average. I wonder how long he was having injury issues with his atrocious May.

[t206blogcom]

In looking at his numbers, he went off in April and May was below average. I wonder how long he was having injury issues with his atrocious May.

Bryce himself stated he should've gone on the DL a month before he actually did. He was on fire at the beginning of the season, but a series of injuries hampered him and his averages dropped. Since returning, he's had quite a few nice games so far. Nothing like first at bat after coming off the DL and hitting a HR on the 2nd pitch.

[dwr11]

Bryce in the Derby is gunna be quite a show. Though he's been injured for a bit, he was THE best player in the NL until he got hurt.

Totally agree!

[leftygrove10]

Gavin Rupp (the hospice patient that Bryce Harper met with) died today.

[Eric72]

Gavin Rupp (the hospice patient that Bryce Harper met with) died today.

Very sad to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

[the 'stache]

That's terrible news.

Nothing tears me up more than seeing a kid having to battle some terminal disease.

I will say a prayer for his family. I can't imagine how they feel right now.

[Gobucsmagic74]

Great story with a very sad ending. This one's for Gavin

[leftygrove10]

Here are two pictures of Bryce Harper in regards to Gavin Rupp (who died earlier this week).

The top picture: This picture was probably taken after the Nats game with the Brewers last night. Note the "GR" on his hat. That "GR" is for Gavin Rupp.

The bottom picture: Taken at the All-Star game when Bryce was "standing up" for Gavin Rupp.

[CaramelMan]

this is a weird thread...I thought I read the exact same post on the on the PSA board, but it was a different poster...strange...identical twin posters separated at birth, with the same thread days apart....maybe they should meet...

..harper is a good guy and a very good ball player

[campyfan39]

Great story
Thanks for posting

[HOF Auto Rookies]

this is a weird thread...I thought I read the exact same post on the on the PSA board, but it was a different poster...strange...identical twin posters separated at birth, with the same thread days apart....maybe they should meet...

..harper is a good guy and a very good ball player

Out of curiosity, how is this a weird thread? I think it's completely justified with modern athletes today in how they act.

[Comiskey]

With so many egos, etc., in sports now, it's a breath of fresh air to hear a story like this. Bryce can add another fan to his list.

Jeff W.

[CaramelMan]

Out of curiosity, how is this a weird thread? I think it's completely justified with modern athletes today in how they act.


It's a weird thread not because of it's content, but because it's an exact duplicate thread posted by mbmiller on psa boards the same day....

That's what made it weird...I had de ja vu reading it because I had just read the same exact thing, right down to the detail of him only being 20 years old.

Sorry for the confusion....its a good story.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

It's a weird thread not because of it's content, but because it's an exact duplicate thread posted by mbmiller on psa boards the same day....

That's what made it weird...I had de ja vu reading it because I had just read the same exact thing, right down to the detail of him only being 20 years old.

Sorry for the confusion....its a good story.

Ah gotcha haha. Thanks for the clarification lol

[Buythatcard]

Just read the story. Very touching and sad.

Bryce has won me over as a fan.