Bryce Harper Mania has caused an unexpected issue for the Philadelphia Phillies, as they have run out of the letter R for their jerseys.
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies have yet to play a game this season, the signing of Bryce Harper has been a success at the box office. The Phillies sold more of his jerseys in the 24 hours after the signing became official than any other player, regardless of the sport. Phillies ticket sales, for both the regular season and Spring Training, also skyrocketed. Harper has already begun to show that he was worth that contract, at least from a merchandising and sales standpoint.
However, there are some unintended consequences to Harper Mania. His jerseys are such a hot item right now that the Phillies team store has run out of the letter ‘R’ for both home and road jerseys. Somewhere, Big Bird and Elmo are inconsolable.
Obviously, this means that no more Harper jerseys will be available for the time being. This also means that anyone looking to get a jersey of Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto, David Robertson, or especially Odeubel Herrera, would be out of luck.
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As inconvenient as it may be, this is also the type of hassle that the Phillies are more than willing to tolerate. It may be difficult to tell fans that their jerseys will be on back order, but one cannot deny the buzz that Harper has provided for the Phillies heading into the season.
It is understandable as to why that is the case. He gives the Phillies a legitimate superstar, a six time All Star and former MVP who is not yet in the prime of his career. Harper has posted a lifetime .930 OPS in Citizen’s Bank Park, giving plenty of hope that his power hitting ways will continue in Philadelphia.
Harper has been the key figure in what has been a strong offseason for the Phillies. They have strengthened their lineup and bullpen, as well as giving the pitching staff a better defense. There are still a few holes, and the Phillies now have an excess of outfielders, but there is optimism in Philadelphia. That optimism can be felt in the box office, as Harper’s contract is turning into a financial boon.
The Philadelphia Phillies have run out of the letter R for their jerseys. While it may cause a delay in getting those items to their fans, both sides are likely more than willing to wait that extra time since it means that Bryce Harper is in town.