The 2019 baseball season didn't go as many in Philadelphia had hoped.
Bryce Harper's arrival put big-time expectations on the team and they didn't live up to them as a unit. But the pricey slugger put together a pretty good season individually and certainly embraced the city in many ways. From his bromance with the Phillie Phanatic to the custom cleats and googley-eyed headbands to welcoming his new son Krew into the world as a Philadelphian, Harper has been mostly embraced by a city that isn't always easy on megastars.
Harper took to Instagram on Monday to take a moment to thank the Philly fans. And what's that? An Eagles chant?!? Maybe he really is turning into one of us.
To the City that has had my back day in and day out. Thank you so much for your love and support all year long! YOU made me and my family feel so welcome and helped me love this game more than I ever have before. So as you guys and gals would say E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES! Have a great offseason and see you at The Bank soon!✌🏼⚾️
Harper had similar things to say on the final day of the season. You can watch that clip above.
I absolutely love this place. I know it's only my first year and everybody probably thinks, 'oh yeah, he's just saying it.' But from the bottom of my heart, I do. It's been such an easy connection with the way these fans go about it, the way this city goes about it. The working-class family, blue-collar town, that's how I grew up. Just to be able to be here and play for these fans every single night, I'm looking forward to so many more years. Hopefully we can raise some banners out there, that's our main goal.
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Here's to 12 more season of Harper slowly turning into one of us. Maybe next season he'll have notes on Ben Simmons' jumper.
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