We all know what superstar Bryce Harper means to the Philadelphia Phillies. Not only is he currently one of the icons of the franchise, but he's also expected to be the leader in helping the Phillies to, hopefully, an eventual World Series championship. But what do the Phillies, and more specifically the Phanatic, mean to Harper?
To show his true devotion and love of the ballclub and the team's mascot, Harper recently unveiled his new bat for the 2024 season. And boy, what a beautiful piece of equipment it is indeed:
Bryce Harper with a new Phanatic bat! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nfeb8eRf76
— MLB (@MLB) February 22, 2024
Donning his Phillies jersey along with his iconic Phillie Phanatic headband under his cap, Harper introduced the world to his new bat, which has the Phillie Phanatic imprinted all over the lumber.
Harper has had multiple pleasant encounters with the Phillie Phanatic over the years. Like the time he gave the Phanatic a special birthday gift of Phanatic-themed shoes. Harper is also known for his Phanatic-themed sliding mitt and Phanatic-themed cleats — the inspiration for the Phanatic's birthday gift.
And that's not to mention the newest Phanatic-themed item Harper received from the mascot itself, the Phillies new batting practice hats:
Special delivery from the Phanatic! 📦
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 21, 2024
Our 2024 batting practice hats have arrived. Grab yours today!
➡️ https://t.co/tSqjN6pwIy pic.twitter.com/WfvEwJ1eTC
The newest product looks like a wonderful piece of art, and Harper seemed especially proud of it, showing it off during photo day. But jokes aside, one thing is certain: he bleeds Phillie Phanatic green all the way.
Harper slated for a big season in 2024
Last season, Harper miraculously returned from Tommy John surgery earlier than expected with hopes of helping the team as much as he could. Harper started off slowly as he got back into game shape but picked up the pace considerably as the season went on. In the end, he was a huge difference maker for the ballclub down the stretch and in the postseason. In total, Harper batted .293 with a .900 OPS, 21 home runs and 72 RBI during the regular season, and added another five home runs and eight RBI, along with 14 runs scored in 13 playoff games.
Both Steamer and ZiPS projections already have Harper putting up big numbers in 2024 compared to last season. So, hopefully, the new bat will super-charge the Phillies superstar into making that a reality by posting a bigger and better year for the Phillies.