On this day in history, an MLB superstar made his debut at 19; Looking back at the reigning NL MVP's career
At 19 years old, Bryce Harper, made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Washington Nationals against the Los Angeles Dodgers on this day ten years ago. Harper's career has been a joy to watch unfold since then. He is one of the best ball players in the world and continues to build his legacy through sheer will and bundles of talent.
10 years ago today, @bryceharper3 made his MLB debut at 19 years old 💪
(via @Cut4)
https://t.co/HHFAXWL47j
Harper, a 19-year-old who was selected first overall in the 2010 Draft, made his Major League debut at the Dodger Stadium. The first pitcher Bryce faced that night was Chad Billingsley of the Los Angeles Dodgers (11-11, 4.21 ERA in 2012).
Bryce Harper
Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 1st round (1st) of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft from College of Southern Nevada (Henderson, NV). https://t.co/1GT3zFYT5m
Harper played with the Nationals for seven seasons, participated in six All-Star Games, and won the 2015 National League MVP award at 22.
He left Nationals to join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. Harper agreed to a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies, the most costly contract in the franchise's history.
Bryce Harper Joins Phillies, Final MLB The Show 19 Box Art Revealed PS Blog: Presenting the final box art for MLB The Show 19, starring the newest member of the Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper. n4g.com/news/2245291/b… https://t.co/KIDqkKLh5h
The number Harper wore with the Washington Nationals (34) was being considered for retirement by the Phillies in honor of the late Roy Halladay. So, Harper selected No. 3 with the team.
Bryce Harper wore 34 in Washington, now 3 in Philly.
“I thought Roy Halladay should be the last one to wear it ... He’s 34. He represents that number in Philly.”
Harper, who is now in his fourth season with the Phillies, has scored 270 homers, 114 stolen bases, 839 walks, a Rookie-of-the-Year award, six All-Star selections, and two MVP awards. His most recent NL MVP selection in 2021 propelled his career to greater heights.
Highlights of Bryce Harper's MLB career?
Here are some of the most notable achievements of Bryce Harper's MLB career:
- Became Baseball America High School Player of the Year in 2009.
- Received the Golden Spikes Award in 2010.
- Received SWAC Player of the Year in 2010.
- Became the National League Rookie of the Year in 2012.
- Selected for the All-Star Game six times; in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Became ESPN Major League Baseball Person of the Year in 2015.
- Became NL Most Valuable Player twice, in 2015 and 2021. With the Phillies, he won his second NL MVP title in 2021.
- Received NL Hank Aaron Award two times, in 2015 and 2021.
- Received Silver Slugger Award in 2015 and 2021.
Indeed, it has been a storied career for Harper. Hopefully, there is more to come from him in the coming years. However, one thing is clear, he is undoubtedly one of the most phenomenal talents to ever play baseball.