Phillies superstar Bryce Harper had a less than perfect moment at first base when he attempted to make an acrobatic catch near the dugout but ended up coming up empty-handed. In a game against the Braves, a pop-up hit by Austin Riley went foul near the first baseline of Citizens Bank Ballpark, causing Harper, who typically plays in the outfield, to sprint towards the dugout to track down the ball. However, as he attempted to make the grab, he flipped over the railing near a camera well and into the dugout, missing the ball entirely.
Despite the spectacular tumble, the ball ended up bouncing off the protective netting around the dugout and back into play. Harper seemed uninjured but did lose his hat in the process. With some assistance, he got back up and returned to the game after regaining his composure. This incident echoed a play from last year when Harper made an incredible leaping grab during his first start at first base for the Phillies. On the offensive side, Harper has struggled to record any hits in the first 17 innings of the season, only managing to get two walks.
Before the game, Harper shared a special moment with recently retired Eagles center Jason Kelce. Kelce threw out the first pitch and then signed Harper’s cleats, adding a personal touch to the sporting camaraderie between the two players in different leagues. Despite the fun and camaraderie surrounding the game, Harper’s mishap at first base cost him a potential play that could have helped break his hitless streak early in the season. It is likely that Harper will bounce back from this incident and continue to perform at a high level throughout the season, showcasing his talents both on the field and in the clubhouse.
