What are sports if not inspiration? In the world of sports, idols play a pivotal role. They are followed, worshipped, loved, and debated. They are more than just stars on the field and serve as guiding lights in the lives of those who dare to dream. One never gets tired of following their idol, but the pinnacle of this experience arrives when your idol offers praise to you.

Recently, the world of baseball witnessed such a moment involving one of its brightest stars, Bryce Harper. This incident not only emphasizes on the impact of idols in sports but also highlights the heartwarming connections they can create with their fans and with each other.

Derek Jeter appreciates Harper

Former New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter spoke highly of Bryce Harper in a recent interview with the New York Post. The ex-baseballer said, “And from Philly—Bryce Harper. The expectations that have been on his shoulders since he was in high school, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 years old. He seems to rise to the occasion“. Jeter acknowledged the enormous pressure that has been placed on Harper. He praised Harper for always coming through in clutch situations.

Bryce Haper’s admiration for Captain Clutch begins right from his young years as a baseball fan. Harper felt that Jeter exemplified the spirit of the game because of his consistent professionalism and outstanding sportsmanship. Apart from that, it was Jeter’s commitment to the game that made him such an influence on a young Harper.

Referring to the Yankees icon, Harper said “he’s(Jeter) a true professional, and he’s done things his whole career that have made him one of the best shortstops. The Phillies star further added, “He goes about his business every single day the right way. He’s such a great person and such an inspiration to a lot of players on the field. You try to go out there and try to play hard and do things the right way, just like he does every single night.”

With the Philadelphia Phillies, Bryce Harper is having a spectacular career so far. Since joining the squad, he has repeatedly demonstrated why he belongs in the upper echelon of players and has made substantial contributions to the team’s success in each of the years since. Therefore, the admiration for Bryce Harper extends beyond Derek Jeter.

Why Bryce Harper is MVP-worthy? Explain these players

Harper has received high acclaim from several veteran players for his significant impact on the game. Masataka Yoshida, the Boston Red Sox outfielder, and Mike Schmidt, former Phillies third baseman, are two such players.

In a guest column for the Associated Press, Schmidt expressed his opinion that Bryce Harper is his choice for the MVP, stating, “I’ve got one clear-cut answer for you: Bryce Harper is THE most valuable player to his team in the National League.”

Whereas Yoshida feels really honored playing against Harper. Mentioning that he has been watching Bryce since he was a rookie with Washington Nationals, Masataka added, “He’s a really great hitter and swings aggressively and is powerful.”

Read More: “Relax”: Standing on a Tall New York Pedestal, Yankees Legend Derek Jeter Incites MLB Fans, but Clears Controversial Air With Simple Gesture

In a sport where heroes are revered, the praise and admiration exchanged between a legend like Jeter and another legend in the making, Bryce Harper, is a testament to baseball’s ability to inspire and unite players of different generations.

Watch The Story- Young Jeter Successor Impresses ‘Captain Clutch’ In Yankee Dream Come True