On this day: Bryce Harper signs with the Phillies

Originally posted on Philly Sports Network
By Matt Watson | Last updated 2/28/22

It was February 28th, 2019. The baseball world for months had been anticipating where baseball superstar Bryce Harper, would take his talents. The decision had drawn on into the beginning of Spring Training and baseball fans everywhere were desperately waiting for Bryce to sign on the dotted line. The Philadelphia Phillies were one of several teams that were fighting tooth and nail for Harper. Rumors of the Nationals, Dodgers, and Giants being in on Bryce circulated social media and MLB talk shows. At 2:50 on that cold, February afternoon, Jon Heyman broke the biggest news in Philly sports.

Breaking: Bryce to the Phillies
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2019

The chase was finally over and the Phillies had landed their first megastar in nearly a decade. Phillies baseball was back. Gone were the days of 60 win seasons and watching career minor leaguers wear red pinstripes. Signing Harper meant that the Phillies were ready to win and to take that next step. Excitement filled the city and the team. Tickets for Opening Day sold out quickly and Citizens Bank Park would see its first sellout crowd in years.

As the team continued to move along through Spring Training, Bryce’s debut was highly anticipated. When he finally stepped into the batter’s box as a Phillie, the fireworks began.

Bryce Harper’s first homerun as a Phillie. A thing of beauty. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/MEn0unPnOC
— Did the Phillies lose? (@DidthePhilslose) March 21, 2019

Once the team returned to Philadelphia, Bryce gave the fans what they came to see.

Philadelphia, we have lift off!

HARPER SENDS ONE INTO ORBIT! pic.twitter.com/XMagJ8rFft
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 30, 2019

Since coming to the Phillies three years ago, Bryce Harper has earned every bit of his 330 million dollar contract. The 2021 MVP has had some incredible moments in a Phillies uniform and will have many more once baseball returns. M-V-3 is more than just a chant in Philadelphia, it has become an identity. Bryce Harper is a Philadelphia Phillies and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

This article first appeared on Philly Sports Network and was syndicated with permission.

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