Phillies: Bryce Harper’s top five offensive moments of 2019

3. March 30 (First home run as a Phillie)

After a long 2018 offseason for the Phillies and their fans wondering if they’d get the prize of the free agency pool, the Phillies signed their man, inking Bryce Harper to the 13-year contract.  The wait to see Harper take the field at Citizen’s Bank Park for the first time as a Phillie seemed even longer.

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The wait was over on March 28 against the Atlanta Braves. The stadium was packed and Harper got the anticipated standing ovations during pregame introductions, heading out to right field in the first, and his first plate appearance. The Phils won the game, 10-4, but Harper went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts at the plate.

The next game two days later, the Phillies again were taking it to the Braves, up 6-4 in the seventh. Harper came to the plate against Philadelphia native and former first round pick Jesse Biddle still looking for his first hit after an 0-for-5 start.

With two outs and none on, Harper slammed a fastball on a 1-1 count deep into the second deck in right-center field. The blast was an estimated 465 feet and put Philadelphia up, 7-4.

Harper hit the home run using the bat of Nick Williams and received a curtain call, energizing the crowd even further. The home run was first of what will likely be very many during Harper’s tenure with the team.