UPDATE: Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper expressed his appreciation for the passionate support of Phillies fans, even as they voiced their frustration during a critical playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following a disappointing start in the NL Division Series, where the Phillies trail 2-0, Harper remains steadfast in his love for the fans who booed him at home.
“We have some of the best fans in baseball, and they make me play better,” Harper stated on Tuesday, just hours before the crucial Game 3 set for October 11, 2023, at Dodger Stadium. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the Phillies facing elimination in this best-of-five series.
Despite his struggles at the plate, which included a single and three strikeouts, Harper shows resilience. “I boo myself when I get out,” he added, highlighting his commitment to excellence. In a game that saw the fans oscillating between cheers and boos during a narrow 4-3 loss on Monday, Harper believes the atmosphere can be a double-edged sword.
Third baseman Nick Castellanos echoed this sentiment, saying, “The stadium is alive on both sides.” He acknowledged that the energy from the crowd can propel the team forward or serve as a challenge when they falter.
As the series shifts to Los Angeles, Harper remarked on the importance of the fans: “They spend their hard-earned dollar to come watch us play; they expect greatness out of us and I expect greatness out of myself and my teammates as well.” His admiration for the fanbase is evident, even as pressures mount.
In a personal moment, Harper shared his recent joy of becoming a father for the fourth time, as his wife, Kayla Harper, welcomed their son last week. “Being able to hold your son for the first time is something. It’s one of the greatest moments of my life,” he reflected, underscoring the balance he seeks between family and baseball.
With Game 3 on the horizon, Harper is prepared for the intensity of the moment. “I will probably get booed tomorrow night, too,” he joked, demonstrating his ability to embrace the challenges ahead.
As the Phillies prepare for their must-win game, fans are left wondering: Can Harper and his team flip the script and stay alive in the postseason? The answer unfolds tomorrow night in Los Angeles.
