Bryce Harper carves name into Philadelphia Phillies record books
By David Hill
Bryce Harper has, to a degree, been labeled a disappointment for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was expected to lead the team to contention and another World Series title, but the franchise has hovered around .500 since Harper signed his massive deal in free agency. However, it is difficult to put those struggles at his feet, as Harper has certainly lived up to expectations.
His willingness to do whatever necessary to help the team win was evident on Friday. He became the fourth player in the last 60 years to steal second, third, and home in the same game for the Phillies.
Bryce Harper is the first Phillie to steal second, third and home in a game since Jayson Werth on May 12, 2009, vs. LA. In the last 60 years, Harper, Werth, Pete Rose (5.11.1980, at CIN) and Larry Bowa (8.28.1970 vs. ATL) are the only #Phillies to do it.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 24, 2021
Bryce Harper shows forgotten side with Philadelphia Phillies
For all of the attention Harper gets with the bat, his baserunning exploits tend to be forgotten. He has been a solid threat on the basepaths in his career, reaching double digits in steals six times. Harper has stolen 11 bases this year without being caught, and has 109 steals in his decade in the majors.
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Harper is living up to his deal with the bat as well. He has been essentially the same player he was in Washington, with his OPS within one point of his totals as a member of the Nationals. At 28 years old, and in the beginning of his hypothetical prime, he may get even better.
It is possible that the Phillies are getting that improvement this year. Heading into Friday’s slate of action, he had produced a solid .283/.382/.513 batting line in his 314 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 17 doubles. He is still displaying a solid batting eye with 40 walks, providing a solid piece in the lineup.
But there is only so much that one player can do. While the Phillies have several stars around Harper, they do not have enough depth on the roster to make that run. It does not mean that he will not do everything possible to win, as Harper literally attempted to steal a victory for the Phillies on Friday.
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Four players have stolen second, third, and home in a game for the Philadelphia Phillies in the last 60 years. Bryce Harper became the fourth on Friday.