"Up there with LeBron James & Tiger Woods" - Sportscaster says Bryce Harper's Phillies legend status viewed differently to Aaron Judge's with Yankees
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has been turning heads in the baseball world from a young age. He was the future of a Sports Illustrated cover in 2009, with the magazine calling him the "Chosen One."
Harper has lived up to much of that hype after being drafted with the first overall pick in 2010. He won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, secured eight All-Star selections, and is a two-time NL MVP, to name a few.
Harper's career was the topic of conversation on Tuesday's airing of Baseball Today with Chris Rose and Trevor Plouffe. The two debated Harper's status and how he is viewed differently than New York Yankees star Aaron Judge.
"We have known Bryce [Harper's] name ever since he first was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, back when it really meant something. He has been up there with LeBron James and Tiger Woods when it comes to teenage phenoms who have delivered," said Chris Rose.
There is no denying that statement. While being one of the most hyped baseball prospects in some time, Harper has not let that pressure get to him.
"I know that the city of Philadelphia is very, very demanding. They do not have the winning history anywhere close oto the New York Yankees. So, when you're talking about the greatest Yankees of all time, you have to have a championship, in my opinion," said Rose.
While comparing Harper and Judge's status, you have to look at the teams they play on. Harper's career holds higher in Rose's opinion even without a World Series title, given Philadelphia's lack of dominance.
Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies have another shot to win a World Series this year
Bryce Harper and the Phillies have been rolling lately. They are on a three-game win streak, thanks to Harper's game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning against the Houston Astros on Monday.
They sit atop the National League East with a record of 77-60, six games ahead of the Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia has put themselves in a great position to make the postseason again this season.
This is one team that has shown the world that you cannot count them out until the final out is made. They certainly have the level of talent to go on another magical run and could win their first World Series trophy since 2008.