No. 2: Bryce Harper cements his legend, Oct. 23, 2022
The Phillies didn't seem like the most likely winner of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes prior to the 2019 season, but imagine where the franchise would be if it didn't happen.
Things came together in a big way in 2021, with Harper winning the NL MVP. But a postseason appearance had eluded him during his first three seasons in town. People were starting to question if he could truly earn his reputation and carry a team. 2022 provided him the opportunity to silence any doubters.
The Phillies kicked things off that October by winning a pair of games in St. Louis to send Albert Pujols into retirement, with Harper connecting for a big home run in Game 2. Harper stayed hot in the next round against the Braves, going 8-for-16 with a pair of homers to lead the Phils to a surprising 3-1 series win.
The Padres awaited in the NLCS, and Harper was good again, helping the Phillies to build a 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 series.
It all led up to the bottom of the eighth in Game 5, with the Phillies trailing 3-2. J.T. Realmuto started the inning with a single off of Friars hurler Robert Suarez to bring Harper to the plate. What followed was perhaps the most dramatic moment in the 140-year history of the franchise.
OMG BRYCE HARPER!!! WOW!!! THE SWING OF HIS LIFE!!! pic.twitter.com/9UWmROAuNV
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2022
The rest of the game was a blur, and you could be forgiven for glossing over the fact that Ranger Suárez had to rescue the game in the top of ninth to preserve the win.
"Bedlam at the Bank" was an all-timer, a defining (and deafening) moment that is Exhibit A of his Cooperstown credentials and which Phillies fans will point to for generations to come. This is statue-worthy material, folks. Maybe someday. If only they had been able to finish the job in the World Series...