We can't wait to see Bryce Harper’s otherworldly clutch gene
The face of the Phillies franchise has a knack for coming up big in the game's biggest moments. Time and time again, when Bryce Harper steps to the plate, he delivers. How can any Phillies fan forget the "swing of his life," as called by Joe Davis in the 2022 NLCS?
In honor of Bryce Harper's 31st birthday, we throw it back to the swing of his life 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0HLzjFLQd6
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 16, 2023
Not only does it seem like he comes up big in the highest of leverage spots or late in games, but the numbers prove it out as well.
According to Baseball Reference, in 2023 "late and close" game situations, Harper hit at a .387 clip, getting on base almost half the time with a .495 on-base average and an OPS of 1.161. He hit five home runs with 18 RBI in 91 plate appearances. In high- and medium-leverage situations, he hit .321/.446/.567 with 15 home runs.
That's clutch.
"This city and that man. It is quite the love affair between Philadelphia and Bryce Harper."
— Nick Piccone (@_piccone) August 30, 2023
How Bryce Harper's 300th career homer sounded on Angels TV pic.twitter.com/49z3Q1dypN
It’s a similar story during postseason play for the 31-year-old superstar. Since joining the Phillies, he has helped break a decade-long playoff drought and carried the team to the World Series in 2022 and to Game 7 in the NLCS in 2023. In 215 total plate appearances over 18 playoff games, Harper has a .276/.383/.613 slash line, with 16 home runs and 31 RBI.
Bryce Harper was built for moments like these, and he shines the brightest when the pressure is on.
I Love Bryce Harper pic.twitter.com/LV5F7pMXII
— Justin Lever ❤️⚾️ (@JustinLever3) January 6, 2024