

This sparked a massive brawl that caused serious injuries for various team members, and Harper was suspended for four games.Īfter becoming a free agent, Bryce signed a lucrative, record-breaking deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. That year, he attacked San Francisco Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland after the pitcher hit him with the ball. By 2018, Harper and the Nationals agreed to a one-year, $21,625-million contract to avoid arbitration. That year, he was also named Most Valuable Player by unanimous decision. In 2015, he hit the longest home run of his MLB career – a 461-foot hit. 176, Harper continued to play well and his batting average improved. This was also the first time a teen had hit a home run since 1998.Īfter a slow period where his batting average fell to. At the age of 19, Harper hit his first home run against the San Diego Padres. Dodgers and proved his potential by stealing home plate – becoming the first teenager to accomplish this since 1964. After a hamstring injury slowed his progress once again, the Nationals finally promoted Harper to the major leagues in 2012. His batting average rose dramatically, and he hit. In addition, the Nationals agreed to pay for eight semesters' worth of college tuition.Īfter a slow start to his minor career, Harper was told by a doctor that he had "some of the worst eyes had ever seen," and he was given contact lenses. Initially, he signed a five-year, $9.9-million contract, which included a $6.25 million signing bonus. He was told to play outfield despite being a catcher, as the Nationals wanted him to become a more well-rounded player before making his MLB debut. He ended his amateur career with a suspension after disputing an umpire's call.Ĭareer: At the 2010 draft, Bryce Harper was selected by the Washington Nationals. During his college career, he hit 31 home runs, shattering the school's previous record of 12 per season. Before then, Harper attended the College of Southern Nevada at the age of 17 and played as a catcher.
BRYCE HARPER PROFESSIONAL
This allowed him to start his professional baseball career early when the 2010 MLB Draft rolled around. To this day, Harper abstains from alcohol because of his religion.īryce attended high school in Las Vegas and graduated early. His brother also played baseball within the Washington Nationals organization. He is said to have developed his strong work ethic as a result of his father's influence. Harper is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After becoming a free agent in 2018, Bryce signed a staggering $330-million contract with the Phillies, which broke several records.Įarly Life: Bryce Aaron Max Harper was born on October 16th of 1992 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then won the MVP Award at the age of 23 in 2015 – again becoming the youngest player to receive such an honor. The recipient of a Rookie of the Year Award in 2012, Bryce is known for leading the league for home runs on more than one occasion.
