
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during game five of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during game five of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bryce Harper’s connection to the Philadephia Phillies isn’t just about his bat or glove- its about his heart. You can clearly see it in his game, the passion and intensity, but now you can see it on his skin! The man who came to the Phillies with big expectations has built a bond with the team and fanbase that runs deeper than any contract. As Harper enters the seventh year of his 13-year deal with Philadelphia, his relationship with them has become special and ‘permanent’.
That bond, now etched in ink, tells a story of love, respect, and a city that’s embraced him just as much as he’s embraced it. “I love the city. There’s nothing like it,” Harper said, clearly at home in Philadelphia. “It’s crazy that we’re halfway through already, but it’s been great coming here every day, feeling the relationships, talking to everybody, being around everybody. It’s still the best. I enjoy wearing that Philly P.”
These were the words of a player who is a Philadelphian through and through! Harper has found something here, a feeling of belonging that transcends the game itself. And amid showing endless love to Philly Phanatic, from wearing bright green wristbands to sporting him on his shoes, Harper has taken it a step further to show exactly where his loyalties belong. And he’s done it with a little ink on his body!
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“I love the city. There’s nothing like it.”
– @bryceharper3 on the @Phillies fanbase as he enters the 7th year of his contract in Philly pic.twitter.com/8OvLPkEf5b
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 4, 2025
In a move that could only be described as Philly love on full display, Harper tattooed the iconic Phillie Phanatic on his right forearm. Yes, you read that right, the man now boasts a permanent tribute to his dear team.
However, it wasn’t a solo act. MLB Network hosts Lauren Shehadi and Chris Young couldn’t help but get in on the fun, jokingly following with their own tattoos! While Young had his co-host’s initials ‘LS’, Shehadi was fangirling with a big ‘BRYCE’ on her right forearm.
Bryce Harper’s tattoo is more than just ink—it’s a testament to the deep bond he’s built with Philadelphia. Philly has become his home, and with that ink on his arm, it’s a love story with the love that runs deeply – literally!
What’s your perspective on:
Can Harper's passion and inked loyalty finally bring a championship to Philadelphia?
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Bryce Harper’s mission for next season
It’s the beginning of a new season, and the city’s favorite slugger stands on the brink of something bigger with yet another year with the Philadelphia Phillies. For Harper, this isn’t just a new season—it’s another chapter in a mission he’s been on since day one in Philty.
Fresh off an impressive excellent 2024 season, Bryce Harper finished near the top in offensive categories, even earning a Gold Glove nomination for his stellar defense at first base. His bat continued to shine in the postseason, leading the Phillies to the second-best win total in the league.
His only remaining goal? To deliver a title to Philly, to which he came heartbreakingly close in 2022, but improved stats like an average of 0.285 smashing 30 homers with an OBP of 0.373 might get even better in 2025.
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While the road to the silverware is packed with elite teams ready to challenge the Phillies, there’s one thing the Phillies knows for sure- Bryce Harper won’t rest until he holds the coveted trophy above his head. As Spring Training begins, the next chapter of this story begins too. And now no one except Bryce knows how this will unfold, but one thing is certain: the Phillies’ pursuit of glory will be just as thrilling as Harper’s quest to mark his legacy.
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Debate
Can Harper's passion and inked loyalty finally bring a championship to Philadelphia?