Phillies: Bryce Harper enjoying extra time with son Krew
By Matt Rappa
Bryce Harper is enjoying his unexpected extra time with his family
Throughout the pandemic, many try to find a silver lining to stay positive during these unprecedented times. For Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper, he does not have to think long and hard for his silver lining.
Being a baseball player usually calls for an everyday grind from February through at least September, with road trips scattered in between. Now, being home since March, Harper suddenly has unexpected extra time to spend with his wife, Kayla, and son, Krew.
RELATED | Phillies: Bryce Harper shares his ideal MLB return plan
“I think at this time, of course, it’s been very terrible for a lot of people and people are going through hard times and struggles right now. It’s been bad for this whole country,” the Phillies slugger recently said on Rawling’s “The Dish” video podcast series. “I’m very fortunate to be one of those people that have been able to be around my family. I’ve been able to really enjoy my family and my time with my son. I think I’m very fortunate to be able to do that right now.”
Harper said he is glad he can help his wife with Krew, who was born last August, while seeing his growth, facial expressions, and the way he laughs and smiles.
The six-time All-Star was later asked what sport he would want Krew to play when he grows up, other than baseball. Harper replied that he just wants him to grow in his own way, and that his parents never pushed him to play baseball, football, or basketball. Rather, they just let him do his own thing.
“[My parents] really wanted me to do anything I wanted to do and just put the best mentality I could to it and give it my all every single day,” Harper said. “If [Krew] is going to play a sport, I hope he’s able to be competitive. I hope he’s able to be a loser and a winner. I hope he’s able to grow to the best of his ability in sports and understand that education is very important and getting a scholarship will be very important as well.”
Harper did joke that he would not mind Krew taking on a collegiate football career at Ohio State, of which he is a fan, wear No. 3 and run out of the tunnel as a quarterback. The Las Vegas, Nevada, native added he just wants his son to be a good competitor and teammate and just have fun.
RELATED | Phillies: Bryce Harper teases interest in playing for Eagles
Plus, he would not mind if Krew played more than one sport, disapproving of the pressure put on kids nowadays to just stick to one sport.
“I don’t want him to do that. I want him to be able to grow and do those things to the best of his ability, but also understand he can play whatever he wants,” he said. “I think if he can do that, then he will be successful in all walks of life.”
“Whatever he wants to be and grow up to be, I want him to aspire to be the best. Hopefully he can do that.”