Some players have the natural ability to fire up their team and fan base with what they say or do, and Bryce Harper is one of them. The Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman isn’t just must-see TV during games, but he also knows exactly what to say to win over the fans.
Harper is the leader and the face of the Phillies. He’s one of the best players in baseball and has helped turn the Phillies’ franchise around since joining the team in 2019.
The Phillies clinched their fourth consecutive playoff appearance on Sunday and are a win or a New York Mets loss away from winning the NL East for the second consecutive season. Harper is ready for the next celebration.
Bryce Harper fires up Phillies fans for looming playoffs and celebration on Broad Street
The Phillies may not have clinched the NL East in front of their home fans on Sunday, but the celebration is coming. The Phillies begin a tough three-game road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday and can clinch the division with a win.
“There’s nothing like celebrating with your teammates after a hard fought year, going through the ups and downs of the season and understanding what the ultimate goal is as a team,” Harper told Phillies Nation about celebrating a division title and playoff berth, per Destiny Lugardo. “Obviously, winning the division is just the start of something greater.”
The Phillies haven’t won a World Series since 2008. Before 2024, the Phillies hadn’t won a division title since 2011.
With a playoff berth clinched and a second consecutive NL East title on the horizon, Harper and the Phillies have their eyes set on much larger goals.
“We haven’t finished with one yet,” Harper said about finishing a season with a World Series celebration. “I’m excited to hopefully have the opportunity to finish the year on one in November and try to extend that party a couple days on to Broad Street.”
Bryce Harper's favorite locker room clinching celebration? “The next one."
— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) September 15, 2025
The next one could happen as soon as tonight in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/mRsSJAbLoY
The Phillies made a Cinderella run to the World Series in 2022 after sneaking into the playoffs as the final Wild Card team. Unfortunately, they lost to the Houston Astros in six games and have regressed in the playoffs each year since.
The Phillies’ core has been through it all with each other, and this year may be its final chance to finish the job. Entering Monday, the Phillies are two games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the best record in the majors and hold a first-round bye in the playoffs.