When the Philadelphia Phillies signed Bryce Harper in 2019, not many expected him to become such an integral part of their identity. Fans loved him almost immediately and he returned their love with equal fervor. It felt like a symbiotic relationship. Especially as Harper originally wanted the New York Yankees but they did not want him. Yet the moment “The Showman” saw the Phillies fans, he was in love. He knew right away that this was his home.

There was no doubt that Harper and the Phillies were in it for the long haul. Harper declined to have an opt-out clause in his contract. But now the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies has revealed just how deep the connection between Bryce Harper and the Phillies happens to be.

Bryce Harper wants to do it all with the Philadelphia Phillies

Bronx fans still regret the day that Brian Cashman refused to even talk to the star slugger, much less sign him. But New York wasn’t in his future. In modern sports rarely do you find a player who completely bets on his future at one time. Harper happens to be one such player. So when he bet his future on the Phillies, what exactly was he planning to do in the City of Brotherly Love? John Middleton, the owner of the club, answered this question in a recent interview with Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

“I made the point the point repeatedly that the way we structured the deal to get him the maximum contract that anybody had ever gotten in North America, but still leave us with an AAV [average annual value] that we can build around him.” Middleton then continued by saying what Harper said after hearing this. “Bryce looked at me and said, ‘I’m willing to bet my future, my career on you.’ That’s powerfully motivating to me. We trusted him, and he trusted us.”

So they both immediately realized that this was not going to be an ordinary relationship. Harper had put all his eggs in the Phillies’ basket, making him an instant fan favorite. In him, they saw a man who was ready to be there with them in good times or bad. Middleton revealed that Bryce Harper specifically said that he wants to win with them and recruit for them. Harper was ready to spend the rest of his career in the city.

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The relationship till now has paid dividends with them almost winning the World Series in 2022 and almost reaching the World Series again in 2023. They will not be stopping anytime soon. Bryce Harper’s hunger for that championship will not allow them to. Yet the team has to see that they do not become a team of “Almosts”. This is a fear that few fans are beginning to have.

Harper and Phillies fans’ connection

Bryce Harper has always tried to connect with the city he plays for. Whether it was praising him for their passion or apologizing for failing to win. It is this openness that has endeared him to the City of Brotherly Love. Coupled with his fighting spirit and highly energetic on-field performances have made him a Phillies Icon. Some fans call him the archetypal Phillies player.

Now that another year has ended with a closely missed World Series, the Phillies will look to bounce back again next year. Harper will not rest until he has won that championship for the Phillies and the Phillies would do anything to see the image of Harper wearing that World Series ring.

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