'You will always hold a special place in my heart.' Bryce Harper finally thanks Nats fans, right before his big return.
Bryce Harper celebrates after winning the Home Run Derby last year. By Scott Allen Scott Allen Reporter covering D.C. pro and local college sports Email Bio Follow April 2 at 10:28 AM On the morning of his first game at Nationals Park as a visitor, Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper finally said goodbye to the organization and fan base that embraced him for the first seven years of his major league career.
“If you would have told me 5 years ago I would be walking into Nationals Park as an opposing player, I would’ve told you that you were crazy. Five years later, I’m doing just that. I remember the first day I walked into Nats Park. My first base hit. My first home run. And, of course, my first standing ovation. Nationals fans delivered that first ovation.
Athletes typically issue these formal farewells within a few days of joining their new team, but Harper waited a full month after agreeing to a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. Harper’s apparent cold shoulder toward D.C. since he signed with Philadelphia didn’t go unnoticed by Nationals fans and local media members, some of whom suggested in mid-March that it was already too late for Harper to make amends.
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