I always have liked Harper. Then he married a Buckeye and I liked him even more. Then he corrected a heckler, and he will forever be one of my favorites.
I also think it has to do with the fact that as a player, not only does he know who acuña is personally, he respects him as a player. Enough so that he really meant to the guy yelling at him, that if "you're going to say he's better than me, at least pronounce his name correctly." As in show acuña the respect he deserves. He too, is a great still young player, and I'm sure Harper resonates with that. I think that's also a major undertone to why he was so adamant about correcting the heckler's pronunciation. It wasn't just out of spite for the heckler or to heckle back.
You can see the evolution of Harper like the evolution of his swing. It used to be big and flashy, lots of moving parts. Now it's simple, more compact, maintaining the same violence and intensity while maturing and knowing he doesn't have to do too much. One of the most enjoyable players to watch in the game
Yeah, he's aged his game like fine wine. His plate discipline is nuts. His playoff appearances with the Phillies have been so absurdly clutch as well, like absolutely legendary status. He's also just a really likeable person these days too. It's been really fun to see him turn it all around and become this incredible future hall of famer that's so fun to watch.
It’s funny you say this, that was one of the first things I noticed when they showed older clips of him in Washington. His hands used to be so far away from his body and was just doing a lot (albeit it definitely worked especially in 2015)
Contrary to the media’s belief, I waited for Harper outside of Wrigley in August of 2013. I waited for more than an hour with his jersey on the railing next to the bus, and when he saw me he made a b-line for me and signed my jersey. Bryce was misunderstood in that era and I’m so glad people are recognizing this now because he’s a superstar on and off the field.
I agree, but I'm not sure if misunderstood is the correct terminology. I think it's the fact that he had literally the most amount of hype for a prospect for sure in the modern baseball era. That's something no one will ever live up to. The expectations are just too high. Even when you're following through on those expectations, shattering records, well it's just expected, because as this video and SI mentioned, he was baseball's "chosen one". They basically put a giant target on his back. Then when he lives up to the hype he also has an ego, one pretty well deserved. I think most everyone no matter how humble of a person you are, would have some kind of ego, with that kind of label. It's the biggest problem with hyping up players and prospects; the insane amount of pressure to perform with little to no room for mistakes or to learn and grow. That period after like 2017 where things sort of quieted down around him until he went to the Phillies I think allowed him to grow not as much under the limelight. Just like this video explained. So I'm not sure it is quite as much as being misunderstood, though I totally can see your pov, I just think it was the fact that no one allowed him at the time to more quietly grow into the person he is today. Though after writing this, maybe I would amend my first sentence and say maybe misunderstood is a better description than I had originally thought.
@@omalleycaboose5937 ay most times though i mean he was "in the right" those were truly almost all bad calls by umps that until recently, wasn't being held to the standard that in a game of "inperfection" is the one thing that should be the exception which is the strike zone... also just like to arcia, most players he either chirped or rather retaliated at, likely had a history that was the whole "mlb pitcher says bryce harper better enjoy philly" type thing. i always found a liking in bryce harper and as stark raving sports narrator/creator of this video said towards the end... maybe older gentlemen found the expectations of him and then the fiery that he had game in and game out as "unclassy" likely would view even themselves as "unclassy" when they were his age
As a Nationals fan who lived right outside of DC. I saw similar occurrences play out EVERY homestand. So I can imagine how much he appreciated fans while on road trips. For the level of attention he has had to deal with since pretty much birth he is shockingly approachable. He made DC baseball relevant. Wish he could have stayed one more year for that championship
It also mean you used to be a douch an should probably tell the people who stuck by you how much you appreciate them. Unless you only managed to keep the aholes
The best part about that NLCS HR was the fact that everyone knew something big was about to happen. From his walkup to the camera following him and the fans going crazy in the background. That’s the type of aura this hero Bryce Harper brings now. It’s truly amazing
@@spaceace0840 The Astros were the better team sadly. Their pitching was elite that year and even that might be an understatement. They went undefeated until the World Series in that post-season for a reason. They no-hit us in that World Series for a reason. They were the better team that had way more playoff experience then us. They had tons of World Series experience as well. We had no playoff experience or World Series experience that season and it showed in the Fall Classic.
Harper hitting that go ahead HR in the clinching game in the NLCS just might be the most exciting thing I've ever seen as a Phillies fan ...and yes I'm including the 08 WS run. Every fan watching that moment shared a feeling as he was at the plate that he would come through but then couldn't believe it when he did. I was at Game 4 the night before and that was the most electric environment I've ever been around for a sporting event. He's been a godsend
I’m a Padres fan that definitely “shared a feeling” with you lol. Thing is though, I saw it coming a mile away as soon as he spat on that changeup like the dude said in this video. I wasn’t even pissed, I was just like “Well GG, all the respect to Bryce who just did the damn thing”, and I went back to using my Bryce Harper beard balm that I put away for the series. Luckily I was at game 2 at Petco & I will never forget the energy in that building it was fucking turbocharged electric
I was 2 years old when the 08 series happened. So Harper Legit carrying the fucking team to the playoffs what's just fucking amazing. The only thing that can be that momentwas when everybody was shitting on HoskinsAnd then he goes out and it's a home run and spikes the freaking bat.
@@greetingsmars lol you guys should have known you were screwed the second the "THAT'S WHAT'S IN" video came out 😂 I swear the second i saw it, I knew there's no way in hell we're losing this series. In all seriousness though, The Padres manager deciding not to go with Hader in that situation, especially when Hader was warmed up ready to go, would forever haunt me if i were a Padres fan. He should have been fired immediately after the game
All the crap he had to endure from people hating him for being good, and he goes out and is having a probable hall of fame career. Tells you a lot about his mental toughness
Ok, it's one thing for being good and people hating, but let's be honest with ourselves, when he was early in the league he was throwing a lot of tantrums. People hate anyone that complains to the refs in any sport.
@@philaunitebirdgangtakeflig5453 Oh I 100% agree, players complain all the time in baseball. But Bryce was a young guy when he entered the mlb and he was a whiner for sure.
Bryce is amazing...I'm old enough to have seen Schmidt, Boone, Bowa, McGraw, and "The Bull" beat the Royals in the World Series. That goofy, blue collar '93 team that we adored here in Philly....BUT this team...at 55yrs old this team has me and my friends jumping up and down like kids again, and Bryce Harper is at the very essence and heart of that feeling.😊
The moment that Bryce Harper truly arrived in Philadelphia was a regular season game early on. They were playing the Cubs, and Harper hit a majestic Grand Slam to win the game in walkoff fashion. That swing even made Jon Kruk gasp in surprise. "oh my gawd!!!"
He was consistently called out on Angel Hernandez level bad calls and kicked out for stuff that wouldn’t get you kicked out of a little league game. Never overrated. Just over-hated.
refereeing by reputation is a thing in all sports. in soccer too, if a player is notorious for diving, they often don't get actual fouls called. tennis players with a reputation for arguing get warnings more easily. dirty tacklers in rugby get punished even when they tackle cleanly. it's just how referees/umpires work, which kinda sucks.
@@defeatstatistics7413It's funny that it goes the opposite way too. After a high school baseball game, the umps car needed a jump so my Dad and I helped him out, abd everytime I was on the plate with him my strike zone was half sized. What's funny is that I was the worst player on the team too
I have been a Nationals fan since day 1, and I'm so glad that i am not the only one who holds this sentiment towards Bryce. Even as he walked out the door, I still admired him, and always will. I knew his character. A man who holds himself to a high standard and inspires others with action. The one's who knew what he was really all about were few and far between. The man has an edge, but it's an edge that is backed up with pure talent, grit and a love for the game. Its bittersweet watching Bryce and Trea, 2 of my favorite players play against us, but warms my heart to see Philly welcome them and have their back. From the DMV with love.
Regarding the “clown question,” I assumed he was mocking the reporter for not doing their research, which would have revealed he was a practicing Mormon and had no interest in drinking whether or not he was legally permitted.
Amazing video! One other thing that you didn't mention is that Bryce has been a *huge* part of recruiting these blue-collar, mercenary players to join the Phillies. Half the time the Phillies sign someone, it feels like they're there because Harper wanted to play with them. Nowhere was that more obvious than Trea Turner, who left the money-boat of the Dodgers to join the Phillies because he's good friends with Bryce. This Phillies team has the best culture since '08, and that all started with Harp, and the fan base has responded in kind... I've never, in my life, seen the Philly Phaithful buy in so hard to any team. All that time say: He's everything you could ever want from the face of your franchise.
this is my favorite youtube video of all time. it is such a display of cinematic art that it’s hard to even call it a youtube video. this is a documentary. so well put together. the commentary is engaging and well put. the storyline of the video is beautiful. beginning to end its like we are going on the journey of his career in real time. you are making me feel everything i’m supposed to feel and bending it as the video progresses. i feel like i am bryce himself as i experience this masterpiece. and the swing of his life. how do you not get emotional hearing that call. and what a beautiful message at the end. so much to take away from that. this is truly art.
So glad he picked Philadelphia. I don’t think the city has seen anything like this in sports. He embraced Philly as much as the fans embraced somebody of his talent picking Philly.
This coming out on the same day that benches clears because the Giants brush Harper back is amazing timing! Also the comparison in demeanor between the Strickland moment vs this one where he just stands there is wild.
I think because Stark Raving Mike has been able to understand his own arc so well he is able to capture the essence of others like he effectively does in this video. Kudos and I have subscribed after watching only 2 videos.
He embodies Philly. If anyone was destined to play for this city, it was him. He's gritty, he's down to earth, he's humble, but isn't afraid to speak his mind. He's passionate, and will always be appreciated here for that.
I love Bryce Harper. All his attitude moments - he knows baseball is meant to be entertaining. He's a face, he's a heel, he's a sports entertainer. Yes, as in pro wrestling. "Make Baseball Fun Again" wasn't on accident. He wants to have fun. And the fans have fun with him. Love him, hate him - doesn't matter. Have fun with him.
Also... Bryce choosing the Phillies. No opt out. Under market value who made it clear he wanted to raise a family here and be the face of the team for a decade. He chose #3... as his number was ROY HALLADAY's number before it was retired. He had me at hello.
330 million?? What a damn steal!! Not many of you get the chance to experience being legit contenders for a World Series and a Super Bowl for a few years straight at the same time!! Neither team has sealed the deal yet, but because the Phils got one in ‘08 and the Eagles in ‘17, we’re able to be patient and enjoy the ride. And what a damn ride it’s been!! We’re not thinking about “if”, we’re thinking about when. And if they don’t get there, it’s been such an exciting experience that it’s still gonna be a very memorable experience. I hope all diehard sports fans get to experience this one time in their lives!! It’s unreal!!
That NLCS homerun STILL gives me massive chills to this day. I even tear up still. That moment right there is what every kid dreams of and Harper got to live it
Just got done watching the giants game. Bryce had a hat trick. Kyle Harrison went high and tight twice in a row. Bryce handled his temper and nothing happened really. Good times.
As a Phillies fan, Bryce Harper is the absolute best. There was a long time our team was sorry, and without him we would have never made it to where we are now. He may have not brought this city a championship yet, but he is already a living legend. He brought this team back to relevancy. He brought back my love for the Phillies that I hadn’t had since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, etc. He is the man, and one of the best playoff performers since joining the Phillies that I have ever seen. You can tell he has a genuine love and passion for the game. He is not a diva, everyone should want their best player to have the attitude of Bryce Harper, just WIN. Thats all the man cares about.
I remember being a young kid who lived in Hagerstown, and seeing Suns games packed to get a look at Bryce Harper, and while I was too young to know who he was, nowadays it’s something that I can brag about it to my friends and say I was at a Bryce Harper minor league game
same here. it always does. it reminds me of exactly where I was when it happened. surrounded by my family on a cold rainy October afternoon. we all went absolutely insane, hugging each other and jumping around like a bunch of idiots. that's the magic of sports.
Such an amazingly structured video. You have an amazing ability to story tell and create content so intriguing that it keeps people watching for over a half an hour. Awesome work bro!
I used to hate Bryce on the nats as a rival fan because he was so good and cocky. However as a Philly he’s done a complete about face and I actually really enjoy watching him play.
I was just talking to my brother about how I have come around on Harper after disliking him so much early on especially being an Angels/Trout fan who I felt behaved professionally. I really appreciate you reminding me I had a good reason to dislike him early on and then letting me relive the moments he won me over. Phillies are lucky to have him, he's a winner.
You make videos that I love watching over and over again and never get bored of. I know you put a lot of time in these videos to make them the best they can be and I truly appreciate you for that. Thank you.
I’m not a Bryce Harper fan, I’m an Atlanta Braves fan. I’m also now a Stark Raving Sports fan. This is one of the most thoughtful and well produced videos I have watched on UA-cam in a long, long time. I don’t know if YT gives awards of any kind, but if they do, you and your video should win. Call me very impressed!! Who am I? I am the guy who, despite our 2021 World Series win, is a frustrated Braves fan who 1) dislikes the Phillies, 2) finds it hard to like Harper, and 3) agrees with everything you said. A++
Calling baseball a game of "immeasurable failure" is funny when you consider the "immeasurable" number of analytical stat dorks trying to perfect the calculations from every angle. Great video. I remember watching him in the power showcase and eagerly awaiting the chance to see him play. I kinda loved everything along the way, including the blown kiss incident in the minors you should have definitely included in this video.
Cool story man. I've always cosidered Harper a great player and argued with other fans the fact that you can dislike him, but not acknowledging the great player he has always been is plain stupid.
Phillies fan here. Something that doesnt get talked about often is when he signed here he always used the number 34 but 34 is special here because its the number doc Halladay repped for his amazing career but wasnt retired. Bryce took the high road and didnt take the number of a philly sports icon out of respect and a few years later Doc number was officially retired. Bryce had the option to be the last person to ever wear that number but knew it wouldnt be right. As a kid that grew up a Doc fan it was amazing seeing Bryce respect A player he never met enough to let the legacy of 34 rest with doc.
I’ve never come across your channel before but I just wanted to say I loved this video man. I grew up in the dc area and Bryce/Strasberg were my heroes when I was a kid in little league. It’s so cool seeing his whole journey put into perspective like this. He’s even made me like a team in Philadelphia which felt impossible before he signed there
I think it's interesting how the perceptions of Harper and Rendon are basically opposites. When the backlash against Harper was starting, Rendon started to get more and more love, he was always the most cliche answer to most underrated and it culminated in 2019 when Rendon's Nats won the WS while Harper's Phillies did nothing. Then right as Rendon's career fell apart in Anaheim and he started to get shit for his almost apathetic attitude towards the game, Harper was building a new era for himself as a Phillies legend
I live in Philly and Harper is just above and beyond!.Just knowing when he’s playing anything can happen..He even affected the attendance like nothing I’ve ever seen..Every game is packed and close to a sellout..I’ve been watching baseball for 40 yrs and nothing compares..If u live in Philly you understand
What an awesome vid. I’m from Vegas and hated the guy in the beginning but he put head down, and kept playing the person he s and now I love the guy. So Mr Harper, my apologies in the beginning but now I’m with you bro. Thanks for the GREAT baseball you’ve given us. Thanks dude.
I've only ever seen a passionate player with a Pete Rose amount of hustle who is, by all accounts, a great teammate. He also takes no BS from the press while still not being combative. Add all that to a hall of fame trajectory... what's not to like?
24:40 I think what contributes to him as a first basemen was how good of a catcher he was in college baseball. He’s able to field fast ground balls hit to him kinda like a 90+ mph fastball, same as a fast throw from 3rd, as well as scoops up one hoppers like a pitch thrown in the dirt
I remember watching a video segment called something like “Dude vs. Douche” back in 2012 calling Harper a douche after stealing home plate from Cole Hammels. Even back then I was like, “nah man, this is Hamels we’re talking about.”
Lifelong Braves fan here. Definitely CAN confirm how devastating it is to watch Bryce shred Braves postseason pitching in consecutive years. However, how could I NOT be a fan of the passion he brings. His misbehavior, tantrums, passion for the game, welcoming his role to play the villain, showing love to Philly, etc., that's what I love about him. I can never root for his team but I support the man 100%.
This was a masterpiece. The world was screaming at a kid for being a kid. Phillie fan here and I just want to say I have a sentiment that I honestly from the bottom of my heart want us to win a World Series for HIM more than for the city itself. Bryce Harper will always have a fan in me
I never hated Bryce. I never thought he was arrogant or emotionally immature. Everyone who hates him was emotionally immature. He was hated for simply being the most hyped person in baseball history. That's something that was never in his control.
Dude..all of Philly screamed that night…you could hear the crowd from the stadium 😊cheering from 3 blocks away..also you gotta check out that Homer with the theme from Moneyball..priceless
Bryce has always been really fun to watch play baseball. I was entertained by the outbursts and self-hype, because it was a show of emotions that the game desperately needed. I also attribute the fact that baseball in 2012 was still "old school" to the hatred for Harper as a Nat. Let me point your attention to an example from my Mariners. J-Rod was a rookie in 2022 as a 21-year-old and had some of the same maturity issues (although less frequently), and was still loved by the baseball world form day one.
That game-winning homer in the NLCS of Bryce Harper is probably my favorite baseball moment of all time absolute chill down my spine every time I see it
It’s true I’ve never seen so many haters when it comes to Bryce Harper. His teammates in Wash and around the league were always super jealous. I’m glad he found his true home in Philly
its always surreal for me being a child and watching him in Double-A in harrisburg pennsylvania. i'm a diehard phillies fan and current D1 baseball player, from the moment he came onto the scene, he was my favorite player even if he should have been a bitter rival. crazy he ended up coming to philly
Bryce Harper has now lived up to his hype. He may have no rings, but those are team achievements. Achieving 5.0 WAR per healthy season, 2 MVP awards, and having numbers like 100 walks per full season played, a .900 OPS lifetime, and nearly .400 OBP lifetime. Those are Hall of Fame numbers. For his career , he's roughly 50% better than the average hitter is when healthy. 2022 was his "hi, remember me?" moment in the MLB playoffs. That dude went off so hard. It's not his fault that the team couldn't beat the champs and dynasty that was the Houston Astros. Bryce was the largest reason they even got to the world series in the first place. This is a man, who almost drug a mediocre as hell team to the playoffs in 2021. And I'd argue successfully, that the 2022 team would have missed the playoffs without him.
Nats fan here. I enjoyed watching him play and develop during his time with our team. I was disappointed when he signed with Philly but I don’t blame him. I blame the Nats ownership for not doing what it took to keep him here (although the championship season in 2019 was magical and gave us the impression we didn’t need him to succeed.). I don’t like the Phillies but I respect Bryce Harper and enjoy watching him play (when they aren’t playing the Nats).
I remember back around 2018-2020 when baseball fans for the most part HATED Bryce Harper and would call him “overrated” every chance they got. Nevermind the fact that he had an OPS of .897 in that exact time period, it was just the most obnoxious discourse in the world. I’m so glad that people have finally started to recognize him as an all time great after his second MVP and fantastic playoff performances. The only thing he needs to solidify his legacy for once and for all is a ring.
I am a 65 year old man. I walked to Connie mack stadium with my dad and brothers in the 60s. I was always at the vet. yes I am a crazy Phillies fan good or bad they are the best to me. Harpers DNA has Philadelphia sports blood in him. he plays hard all the time he hates to lose. and away from the game he is a great human being. what people don't know about him is how much pressure he was under to be the best the first player picked in the draft. he put the pressure on himself cause he felt that he had to do these things to make sure his family was going to be taken care of. I admit I didn't care for him cause I love the Phillies and he didn't play for the Phillies yet. but after I started to understand what he went through and how much he wanted to take care of his mother and father and the rest of his family. what young man doesn't want to do that same thing. I know cause I left school in the 10th grade. I went to work full time I was 15 years old I had to get working papers and my parents OK to do it. I worked full time and give my whole paycheck to my mom to help dad pay the bills and pay for my younger sisters to go to a good Catholic High School. I didn't have all the pressure harper had on him. but I am just showing how most young man want to help their family.
Harper lives in my hometown, my brother knows that kid who he helped with his promposal. They’re neighbors and the kid just asked him, which Harper said of course. Great dude
Yeah in his early days I always told people "Man if you think he's bad, you wouldn't be able to imgagine me with the same life at that age." Probably could say the same about his haters at the time, too.
I remember going on a bus trip to DC for his first game. He acknowledged us. He bowed. And dominated and we beat Max. The "Phillies fans boo Bryce Harper" video snipit makes no sense. Two people boo'd Bryce and made a video and you used it.
Amazing video. Bryce is one of my all-time favorite athletes. Takes a lot to rival the guys from that '08 team and he does. He's right up there for me with guys like Rollins, Utley, Howard.
When you sit back and REALLY think about Harper and his personality, honestly, he got through it without any permanent scars. Imagine being told you are going to play in the MLB before you're even in senior high. You would be protected and have a group of people that would take care of all the small things that normal kids would have to do on a daily basis. For us, we had to have personality to have a girl have a conversation with us. We had to WORK for things we didn't have. Harper never had to develop his people skills, as long as he kept progressing on the field, his off field wasn't a big deal. I think he grew up and finally learned how to be with people and learnt that he has it good and has the ability to brighten up other people's days with minimum effort. but if you or I were always treated like the top dog while going through the teenage years (which is the darkest time that we all have to find a way out of) most of us would of had many more off field issues then him. And honestly, Harper never messed around off field. He's just a dick on field. I can't hate someone that is an asshole to other multimillionaires lol!
The funniest thing about the “You’ll never be as good as Acuña.” Is Bryce correcting him on how to say Acuña
priceless
And jt cracking up next to him while he’s correcting him
I always have liked Harper. Then he married a Buckeye and I liked him even more. Then he corrected a heckler, and he will forever be one of my favorites.
OMG there's nothing worse than someone who keeps yelling the same thing over and over without giving a chance to respond, ala Mr. Akoonah
I also think it has to do with the fact that as a player, not only does he know who acuña is personally, he respects him as a player. Enough so that he really meant to the guy yelling at him, that if "you're going to say he's better than me, at least pronounce his name correctly." As in show acuña the respect he deserves. He too, is a great still young player, and I'm sure Harper resonates with that. I think that's also a major undertone to why he was so adamant about correcting the heckler's pronunciation. It wasn't just out of spite for the heckler or to heckle back.
You can see the evolution of Harper like the evolution of his swing. It used to be big and flashy, lots of moving parts. Now it's simple, more compact, maintaining the same violence and intensity while maturing and knowing he doesn't have to do too much. One of the most enjoyable players to watch in the game
Yeah, he's aged his game like fine wine. His plate discipline is nuts. His playoff appearances with the Phillies have been so absurdly clutch as well, like absolutely legendary status. He's also just a really likeable person these days too. It's been really fun to see him turn it all around and become this incredible future hall of famer that's so fun to watch.
It’s funny you say this, that was one of the first things I noticed when they showed older clips of him in Washington. His hands used to be so far away from his body and was just doing a lot (albeit it definitely worked especially in 2015)
Contrary to the media’s belief, I waited for Harper outside of Wrigley in August of 2013. I waited for more than an hour with his jersey on the railing next to the bus, and when he saw me he made a b-line for me and signed my jersey. Bryce was misunderstood in that era and I’m so glad people are recognizing this now because he’s a superstar on and off the field.
I agree, but I'm not sure if misunderstood is the correct terminology. I think it's the fact that he had literally the most amount of hype for a prospect for sure in the modern baseball era. That's something no one will ever live up to. The expectations are just too high. Even when you're following through on those expectations, shattering records, well it's just expected, because as this video and SI mentioned, he was baseball's "chosen one". They basically put a giant target on his back. Then when he lives up to the hype he also has an ego, one pretty well deserved. I think most everyone no matter how humble of a person you are, would have some kind of ego, with that kind of label. It's the biggest problem with hyping up players and prospects; the insane amount of pressure to perform with little to no room for mistakes or to learn and grow. That period after like 2017 where things sort of quieted down around him until he went to the Phillies I think allowed him to grow not as much under the limelight. Just like this video explained. So I'm not sure it is quite as much as being misunderstood, though I totally can see your pov, I just think it was the fact that no one allowed him at the time to more quietly grow into the person he is today. Though after writing this, maybe I would amend my first sentence and say maybe misunderstood is a better description than I had originally thought.
He did need to, and learned to. Better control his anger, but yeah. All the media ever showed of him was his flaws.
@@omalleycaboose5937 ay most times though i mean he was "in the right" those were truly almost all bad calls by umps that until recently, wasn't being held to the standard that in a game of "inperfection" is the one thing that should be the exception which is the strike zone... also just like to arcia, most players he either chirped or rather retaliated at, likely had a history that was the whole "mlb pitcher says bryce harper better enjoy philly" type thing. i always found a liking in bryce harper and as stark raving sports narrator/creator of this video said towards the end... maybe older gentlemen found the expectations of him and then the fiery that he had game in and game out as "unclassy" likely would view even themselves as "unclassy" when they were his age
As a Nationals fan who lived right outside of DC. I saw similar occurrences play out EVERY homestand. So I can imagine how much he appreciated fans while on road trips. For the level of attention he has had to deal with since pretty much birth he is shockingly approachable. He made DC baseball relevant. Wish he could have stayed one more year for that championship
@@JosephTurner-ok6brsurely you are not discounting everyone else's similar experiences
"If you look back on yourself and cringe, it means you've grown"
i tell myself this every day
i look at myself and still cringe
@@SavingSoulsMinistries Grow.
It also mean you used to be a douch an should probably tell the people who stuck by you how much you appreciate them.
Unless you only managed to keep the aholes
The best part about that NLCS HR was the fact that everyone knew something big was about to happen. From his walkup to the camera following him and the fans going crazy in the background. That’s the type of aura this hero Bryce Harper brings now. It’s truly amazing
Too bad he had no aura in the World Series
@@spaceace0840 The Astros were the better team sadly. Their pitching was elite that year and even that might be an understatement. They went undefeated until the World Series in that post-season for a reason. They no-hit us in that World Series for a reason. They were the better team that had way more playoff experience then us. They had tons of World Series experience as well. We had no playoff experience or World Series experience that season and it showed in the Fall Classic.
he has the aura of the GOAT cuz he is the GOAT
Harper hitting that go ahead HR in the clinching game in the NLCS just might be the most exciting thing I've ever seen as a Phillies fan ...and yes I'm including the 08 WS run. Every fan watching that moment shared a feeling as he was at the plate that he would come through but then couldn't believe it when he did. I was at Game 4 the night before and that was the most electric environment I've ever been around for a sporting event. He's been a godsend
the homerun harper hit is better just bc he showed us philly fans that WE can get there again
I’m a Padres fan that definitely “shared a feeling” with you lol. Thing is though, I saw it coming a mile away as soon as he spat on that changeup like the dude said in this video. I wasn’t even pissed, I was just like “Well GG, all the respect to Bryce who just did the damn thing”, and I went back to using my Bryce Harper beard balm that I put away for the series. Luckily I was at game 2 at Petco & I will never forget the energy in that building it was fucking turbocharged electric
I was also at game 4. One of my favorite memories of all time
I was 2 years old when the 08 series happened. So Harper Legit carrying the fucking team to the playoffs what's just fucking amazing. The only thing that can be that momentwas when everybody was shitting on HoskinsAnd then he goes out and it's a home run and spikes the freaking bat.
@@greetingsmars lol you guys should have known you were screwed the second the "THAT'S WHAT'S IN" video came out 😂 I swear the second i saw it, I knew there's no way in hell we're losing this series. In all seriousness though, The Padres manager deciding not to go with Hader in that situation, especially when Hader was warmed up ready to go, would forever haunt me if i were a Padres fan. He should have been fired immediately after the game
All the crap he had to endure from people hating him for being good, and he goes out and is having a probable hall of fame career. Tells you a lot about his mental toughness
no probable it’s guaranteed for sure
Probable? He's a first ballot if he quit today.
Ok, it's one thing for being good and people hating, but let's be honest with ourselves, when he was early in the league he was throwing a lot of tantrums. People hate anyone that complains to the refs in any sport.
@@limitedbom2206 baseball is pretty different when It comes to complaining about officials. they have a horrible track record for accuracy.
@@philaunitebirdgangtakeflig5453 Oh I 100% agree, players complain all the time in baseball. But Bryce was a young guy when he entered the mlb and he was a whiner for sure.
Bryce is the definition of a ball player. I’m an Os fan but he’s been one of my favorite players since he came in. Certified dawg
Bryce radiates dad energy now
Bro knows him personally. You’re right tho
Bryce is amazing...I'm old enough to have seen Schmidt, Boone, Bowa, McGraw, and "The Bull" beat the Royals in the World Series. That goofy, blue collar '93 team that we adored here in Philly....BUT this team...at 55yrs old this team has me and my friends jumping up and down like kids again, and Bryce Harper is at the very essence and heart of that feeling.😊
28:31 "Harper... hits one in the air left-center field... back it goes... HARPER!! THE SWING OF HIS LIFE!!" goosebumps every time
people don’t realize how crazy it was taking that change up the pitch before i honestly don’t understand how you don’t swing at that
I love that you can just say “Bedlam At The Bank” and fans will know exactly what it’s referring to.
I had goosebumps for a while after that
Honestly one of my favorite announcer clips from recent memory
The moment that Bryce Harper truly arrived in Philadelphia was a regular season game early on. They were playing the Cubs, and Harper hit a majestic Grand Slam to win the game in walkoff fashion. That swing even made Jon Kruk gasp in surprise. "oh my gawd!!!"
He was consistently called out on Angel Hernandez level bad calls and kicked out for stuff that wouldn’t get you kicked out of a little league game.
Never overrated. Just over-hated.
refereeing by reputation is a thing in all sports. in soccer too, if a player is notorious for diving, they often don't get actual fouls called. tennis players with a reputation for arguing get warnings more easily. dirty tacklers in rugby get punished even when they tackle cleanly. it's just how referees/umpires work, which kinda sucks.
@@defeatstatistics7413It's funny that it goes the opposite way too. After a high school baseball game, the umps car needed a jump so my Dad and I helped him out, abd everytime I was on the plate with him my strike zone was half sized. What's funny is that I was the worst player on the team too
I have been a Nationals fan since day 1, and I'm so glad that i am not the only one who holds this sentiment towards Bryce. Even as he walked out the door, I still admired him, and always will. I knew his character. A man who holds himself to a high standard and inspires others with action. The one's who knew what he was really all about were few and far between. The man has an edge, but it's an edge that is backed up with pure talent, grit and a love for the game. Its bittersweet watching Bryce and Trea, 2 of my favorite players play against us, but warms my heart to see Philly welcome them and have their back. From the DMV with love.
The only people who wanted to see Bryce Harper fail because of his "antics" were also those who think mayonnaise is too spicy.
Glaze
@@ThatC1official I bet you like oily men
@@logansunderland5015 relatable
😂😂
Can't disagree at all, I love the crazy shit Bryce does.
Regarding the “clown question,” I assumed he was mocking the reporter for not doing their research, which would have revealed he was a practicing Mormon and had no interest in drinking whether or not he was legally permitted.
Amazing video! One other thing that you didn't mention is that Bryce has been a *huge* part of recruiting these blue-collar, mercenary players to join the Phillies. Half the time the Phillies sign someone, it feels like they're there because Harper wanted to play with them. Nowhere was that more obvious than Trea Turner, who left the money-boat of the Dodgers to join the Phillies because he's good friends with Bryce.
This Phillies team has the best culture since '08, and that all started with Harp, and the fan base has responded in kind... I've never, in my life, seen the Philly Phaithful buy in so hard to any team.
All that time say: He's everything you could ever want from the face of your franchise.
Right on dude, hopefully we get another world series, love the Phillies and can't wait for another Red October!
This is how you make a UA-cam video...normal voice...no visuals of creator...A+
Bryce Harper is a stud and is one of the best in baseball
this is my favorite youtube video of all time. it is such a display of cinematic art that it’s hard to even call it a youtube video. this is a documentary. so well put together. the commentary is engaging and well put. the storyline of the video is beautiful. beginning to end its like we are going on the journey of his career in real time. you are making me feel everything i’m supposed to feel and bending it as the video progresses. i feel like i am bryce himself as i experience this masterpiece. and the swing of his life. how do you not get emotional hearing that call. and what a beautiful message at the end. so much to take away from that. this is truly art.
A grown man asking a 19 year old kid about drinking IS a clown question though
So glad he picked Philadelphia. I don’t think the city has seen anything like this in sports. He embraced Philly as much as the fans embraced somebody of his talent picking Philly.
This coming out on the same day that benches clears because the Giants brush Harper back is amazing timing! Also the comparison in demeanor between the Strickland moment vs this one where he just stands there is wild.
totally would've said this in the video if this happened one day earlier - this was scheduled to get released about 5-10 minutes after that happened
I think because Stark Raving Mike has been able to understand his own arc so well he is able to capture the essence of others like he effectively does in this video. Kudos and I have subscribed after watching only 2 videos.
As a Phillies fan, I will forever love Bryce Harper regardless of if we ever win a World Series or not, he’s a Philly legend.
He embodies Philly. If anyone was destined to play for this city, it was him. He's gritty, he's down to earth, he's humble, but isn't afraid to speak his mind. He's passionate, and will always be appreciated here for that.
Love that. Love philly
I love Bryce Harper. All his attitude moments - he knows baseball is meant to be entertaining. He's a face, he's a heel, he's a sports entertainer. Yes, as in pro wrestling. "Make Baseball Fun Again" wasn't on accident. He wants to have fun. And the fans have fun with him. Love him, hate him - doesn't matter. Have fun with him.
Harper is one of my favorite players in the sport right now, and I’m a diehard Braves fan
Also... Bryce choosing the Phillies. No opt out. Under market value who made it clear he wanted to raise a family here and be the face of the team for a decade. He chose #3... as his number was ROY HALLADAY's number before it was retired. He had me at hello.
330 million?? What a damn steal!!
Not many of you get the chance to experience being legit contenders for a World Series and a Super Bowl for a few years straight at the same time!! Neither team has sealed the deal yet, but because the Phils got one in ‘08 and the Eagles in ‘17, we’re able to be patient and enjoy the ride. And what a damn ride it’s been!! We’re not thinking about “if”, we’re thinking about when. And if they don’t get there, it’s been such an exciting experience that it’s still gonna be a very memorable experience.
I hope all diehard sports fans get to experience this one time in their lives!! It’s unreal!!
That NLCS homerun STILL gives me massive chills to this day. I even tear up still. That moment right there is what every kid dreams of and Harper got to live it
“Say his name right” 😂 Bryce is fkn awesome
Just got done watching the giants game.
Bryce had a hat trick.
Kyle Harrison went high and tight twice in a row.
Bryce handled his temper and nothing happened really.
Good times.
And he let his play do the talking by driving home a run later in the game. He’s a beast.
Took his temper to a bat in the dugout 😅 but hey, it was only a season ending injury for a bat this time.
Couldn't resist 😁
As a Phillies fan, Bryce Harper is the absolute best. There was a long time our team was sorry, and without him we would have never made it to where we are now. He may have not brought this city a championship yet, but he is already a living legend. He brought this team back to relevancy. He brought back my love for the Phillies that I hadn’t had since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, etc. He is the man, and one of the best playoff performers since joining the Phillies that I have ever seen. You can tell he has a genuine love and passion for the game. He is not a diva, everyone should want their best player to have the attitude of Bryce Harper, just WIN. Thats all the man cares about.
your entire fanbase certainly treated him like a diva when he was on the nats. I hate how all of baseball switched up on him after he left the nats.
The only thing to hate about Harper is if he's not on your team. He's the prototypical ballplayer in my mind. Hustle, passion, and hunger to win.
That edit of postseason Bryce put me in my feels about how much I love that man and how fun 2022 was
“King of Juco”
*Eric Sim has entered the chat*
Ong i thought about eric as soon as he said it
I remember being a young kid who lived in Hagerstown, and seeing Suns games packed to get a look at Bryce Harper, and while I was too young to know who he was, nowadays it’s something that I can brag about it to my friends and say I was at a Bryce Harper minor league game
28:37 "the swing of his life" gave me chills
same here. it always does. it reminds me of exactly where I was when it happened. surrounded by my family on a cold rainy October afternoon. we all went absolutely insane, hugging each other and jumping around like a bunch of idiots. that's the magic of sports.
Man dude reliving a lot of those moment brought tears to my eyes. I love Philly
Such an amazingly structured video. You have an amazing ability to story tell and create content so intriguing that it keeps people watching for over a half an hour. Awesome work bro!
I used to hate Bryce on the nats as a rival fan because he was so good and cocky. However as a Philly he’s done a complete about face and I actually really enjoy watching him play.
I was just talking to my brother about how I have come around on Harper after disliking him so much early on especially being an Angels/Trout fan who I felt behaved professionally.
I really appreciate you reminding me I had a good reason to dislike him early on and then letting me relive the moments he won me over. Phillies are lucky to have him, he's a winner.
You make videos that I love watching over and over again and never get bored of. I know you put a lot of time in these videos to make them the best they can be and I truly appreciate you for that. Thank you.
I’m not a Bryce Harper fan, I’m an Atlanta Braves fan. I’m also now a Stark Raving Sports fan. This is one of the most thoughtful and well produced videos I have watched on UA-cam in a long, long time. I don’t know if YT gives awards of any kind, but if they do, you and your video should win. Call me very impressed!! Who am I? I am the guy who, despite our 2021 World Series win, is a frustrated Braves fan who 1) dislikes the Phillies, 2) finds it hard to like Harper, and 3) agrees with everything you said. A++
This was an excellent documentary man. It’s heartfelt and just stellar work overall. This was an epic home run for you, just like Bryce.
Calling baseball a game of "immeasurable failure" is funny when you consider the "immeasurable" number of analytical stat dorks trying to perfect the calculations from every angle. Great video. I remember watching him in the power showcase and eagerly awaiting the chance to see him play. I kinda loved everything along the way, including the blown kiss incident in the minors you should have definitely included in this video.
Wake up baby Stark Raving Sports just dropped
Cool story man. I've always cosidered Harper a great player and argued with other fans the fact that you can dislike him, but not acknowledging the great player he has always been is plain stupid.
Phillies fan here. Something that doesnt get talked about often is when he signed here he always used the number 34 but 34 is special here because its the number doc Halladay repped for his amazing career but wasnt retired. Bryce took the high road and didnt take the number of a philly sports icon out of respect and a few years later Doc number was officially retired. Bryce had the option to be the last person to ever wear that number but knew it wouldnt be right. As a kid that grew up a Doc fan it was amazing seeing Bryce respect A player he never met enough to let the legacy of 34 rest with doc.
The music you put behind the NLCS HR was so good and going from Black and White to colour, beautiful
That Harper hr in game 5 was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!!
Bryce Harper embracing the Philly Phanatic gear is beautiful
I’ve never come across your channel before but I just wanted to say I loved this video man. I grew up in the dc area and Bryce/Strasberg were my heroes when I was a kid in little league. It’s so cool seeing his whole journey put into perspective like this. He’s even made me like a team in Philadelphia which felt impossible before he signed there
This is such a well done video, man. Love it. Love Bryce Harper. GO PHILS❣️
"He's like my Chase Utley" 😂😂 I really do hope Bryce sees that little segment
I think it's interesting how the perceptions of Harper and Rendon are basically opposites. When the backlash against Harper was starting, Rendon started to get more and more love, he was always the most cliche answer to most underrated and it culminated in 2019 when Rendon's Nats won the WS while Harper's Phillies did nothing. Then right as Rendon's career fell apart in Anaheim and he started to get shit for his almost apathetic attitude towards the game, Harper was building a new era for himself as a Phillies legend
I live in Philly and Harper is just above and beyond!.Just knowing when he’s playing anything can happen..He even affected the attendance like nothing I’ve ever seen..Every game is packed and close to a sellout..I’ve been watching baseball for 40 yrs and nothing compares..If u live in Philly you understand
What an awesome vid. I’m from Vegas and hated the guy in the beginning but he put head down, and kept playing the person he s and now I love the guy. So Mr Harper, my apologies in the beginning but now I’m with you bro. Thanks for the GREAT baseball you’ve given us. Thanks dude.
I've only ever seen a passionate player with a Pete Rose amount of hustle who is, by all accounts, a great teammate. He also takes no BS from the press while still not being combative. Add all that to a hall of fame trajectory... what's not to like?
24:40 I think what contributes to him as a first basemen was how good of a catcher he was in college baseball. He’s able to field fast ground balls hit to him kinda like a 90+ mph fastball, same as a fast throw from 3rd, as well as scoops up one hoppers like a pitch thrown in the dirt
I went from hating Bryce Harper when he was on the nationals then getting his jersey when he’s on the Phillies
This was a damn good video. Honestly one of the best baseball videos I’ve seen on UA-cam. Great job 👏
I remember watching a video segment called something like “Dude vs. Douche” back in 2012 calling Harper a douche after stealing home plate from Cole Hammels. Even back then I was like, “nah man, this is Hamels we’re talking about.”
Lifelong Braves fan here. Definitely CAN confirm how devastating it is to watch Bryce shred Braves postseason pitching in consecutive years. However, how could I NOT be a fan of the passion he brings. His misbehavior, tantrums, passion for the game, welcoming his role to play the villain, showing love to Philly, etc., that's what I love about him. I can never root for his team but I support the man 100%.
This was a masterpiece. The world was screaming at a kid for being a kid. Phillie fan here and I just want to say I have a sentiment that I honestly from the bottom of my heart want us to win a World Series for HIM more than for the city itself. Bryce Harper will always have a fan in me
I never hated Bryce. I never thought he was arrogant or emotionally immature. Everyone who hates him was emotionally immature. He was hated for simply being the most hyped person in baseball history. That's something that was never in his control.
Got me teary eyed at the end there. Love this video and instantly subscribed. Keep it up.
as a padres fan, that harper home run in the 2022 NLCS broke me. he’s such a gamer.
Dude..all of Philly screamed that night…you could hear the crowd from the stadium 😊cheering from 3 blocks away..also you gotta check out that Homer with the theme from Moneyball..priceless
Bryce has always been really fun to watch play baseball. I was entertained by the outbursts and self-hype, because it was a show of emotions that the game desperately needed. I also attribute the fact that baseball in 2012 was still "old school" to the hatred for Harper as a Nat. Let me point your attention to an example from my Mariners. J-Rod was a rookie in 2022 as a 21-year-old and had some of the same maturity issues (although less frequently), and was still loved by the baseball world form day one.
Amazing video. The editing, the commentary, the music, perfect.
Bryce Harper being arrogant and amazing is why he's my favorite player to watch, even now. He's just fun to watch because he ticks people off.
funny how a magazine in Philadelphia made an article about hating harper but then the phillies signed him a few years later
That game-winning homer in the NLCS of Bryce Harper is probably my favorite baseball moment of all time absolute chill down my spine every time I see it
28:43 went so hard.
It’s true I’ve never seen so many haters when it comes to Bryce Harper. His teammates in Wash and around the league were always super jealous. I’m glad he found his true home in Philly
its always surreal for me being a child and watching him in Double-A in harrisburg pennsylvania. i'm a diehard phillies fan and current D1 baseball player, from the moment he came onto the scene, he was my favorite player even if he should have been a bitter rival. crazy he ended up coming to philly
Bryce Harper has now lived up to his hype. He may have no rings, but those are team achievements. Achieving 5.0 WAR per healthy season, 2 MVP awards, and having numbers like 100 walks per full season played, a .900 OPS lifetime, and nearly .400 OBP lifetime. Those are Hall of Fame numbers. For his career , he's roughly 50% better than the average hitter is when healthy.
2022 was his "hi, remember me?" moment in the MLB playoffs. That dude went off so hard. It's not his fault that the team couldn't beat the champs and dynasty that was the Houston Astros. Bryce was the largest reason they even got to the world series in the first place.
This is a man, who almost drug a mediocre as hell team to the playoffs in 2021. And I'd argue successfully, that the 2022 team would have missed the playoffs without him.
33:20 bro, that’s most of us.
Saw him play in Rome, GA when he was with the Hagerstown suns. He hit a moon shot over the foul poll that ball is still going into outer space.
I think that chirp back at a fan: “Say his name right - Acuña” says a lot about him. Never seen that before
This was fantastic man. And cheers to you for tossing in the bit about you at the end. 👏👏
As a lifelong Padres fan, I love Bryce and he even made me a Nats fan for a while. I hope nothing but success for him
Nats fan here. I enjoyed watching him play and develop during his time with our team. I was disappointed when he signed with Philly but I don’t blame him. I blame the Nats ownership for not doing what it took to keep him here (although the championship season in 2019 was magical and gave us the impression we didn’t need him to succeed.). I don’t like the Phillies but I respect Bryce Harper and enjoy watching him play (when they aren’t playing the Nats).
I remember back around 2018-2020 when baseball fans for the most part HATED Bryce Harper and would call him “overrated” every chance they got. Nevermind the fact that he had an OPS of .897 in that exact time period, it was just the most obnoxious discourse in the world. I’m so glad that people have finally started to recognize him as an all time great after his second MVP and fantastic playoff performances. The only thing he needs to solidify his legacy for once and for all is a ring.
33:17 not letting tht voice crack pass by buddy
5:37 Is that the drum intro from *When the Levee Breaks* (Led Zeppelin)?
I am a 65 year old man. I walked to Connie mack stadium with my dad and brothers in the 60s. I was always at the vet. yes I am a crazy Phillies fan good or bad they are the best to me. Harpers DNA has Philadelphia sports blood in him. he plays hard all the time he hates to lose. and away from the game he is a great human being. what people don't know about him is how much pressure he was under to be the best the first player picked in the draft. he put the pressure on himself cause he felt that he had to do these things to make sure his family was going to be taken care of. I admit I didn't care for him cause I love the Phillies and he didn't play for the Phillies yet. but after I started to understand what he went through and how much he wanted to take care of his mother and father and the rest of his family. what young man doesn't want to do that same thing. I know cause I left school in the 10th grade. I went to work full time I was 15 years old I had to get working papers and my parents OK to do it. I worked full time and give my whole paycheck to my mom to help dad pay the bills and pay for my younger sisters to go to a good Catholic High School. I didn't have all the pressure harper had on him. but I am just showing how most young man want to help their family.
Hate when Bryce plays my bravos, but I love him when he’s not, he’s amazing for the game
That Lindor zyn feels like a kick in the stomach to us Mets fans are already down😅
Great essay. That ending really was well put together.
as a braves fan bryce is super special and i really enjoy watching him play he is one of baseball’s best players consistently
Harper lives in my hometown, my brother knows that kid who he helped with his promposal. They’re neighbors and the kid just asked him, which Harper said of course. Great dude
Yeah in his early days I always told people "Man if you think he's bad, you wouldn't be able to imgagine me with the same life at that age." Probably could say the same about his haters at the time, too.
25:45
Bryce: "I'll be old at that point so idk"
Stark: "yeah he basically admitted he'll be an old washed up Shaq" lmao
I remember going on a bus trip to DC for his first game. He acknowledged us. He bowed. And dominated and we beat Max. The "Phillies fans boo Bryce Harper" video snipit makes no sense. Two people boo'd Bryce and made a video and you used it.
Amazing video. Bryce is one of my all-time favorite athletes. Takes a lot to rival the guys from that '08 team and he does. He's right up there for me with guys like Rollins, Utley, Howard.
You left out how he wanted to have the #34 be Roy Halladay's number forever. So he took #3 instead. I respect Bryce Harper a lot.
When you sit back and REALLY think about Harper and his personality, honestly, he got through it without any permanent scars. Imagine being told you are going to play in the MLB before you're even in senior high. You would be protected and have a group of people that would take care of all the small things that normal kids would have to do on a daily basis. For us, we had to have personality to have a girl have a conversation with us. We had to WORK for things we didn't have.
Harper never had to develop his people skills, as long as he kept progressing on the field, his off field wasn't a big deal. I think he grew up and finally learned how to be with people and learnt that he has it good and has the ability to brighten up other people's days with minimum effort.
but if you or I were always treated like the top dog while going through the teenage years (which is the darkest time that we all have to find a way out of) most of us would of had many more off field issues then him. And honestly, Harper never messed around off field. He's just a dick on field. I can't hate someone that is an asshole to other multimillionaires lol!
35:59 Mets fan here. I agree. You can’t doubt the talent of this guy. HoF career 100%.