Bryce Harper treated the Phillies' new hitting coach to some dingers and a refreshing beverage in the dugout
Wednesday was a big day for the Phillies, as new hitting coach Charlie Manuel began his first day on the job. Manuel is a beloved figure within the organization -- he managed the 2008 team that won the World Series -- so his return to the team as a hitting instructor is a big deal.
The Phillies offense responded in a big way, blasting former ace Cole Hamels and the Cubs to an 11-1 win that featured two homers from Bryce Harper.
After Harper's second blast, a rocket deep into the seats in right field, he returned to the dugout and handed Manuel a cup of water. On the broadcast, it looked as much like a "thank you" gesture from Harper, who's had a bit of a struggle with consistency in his first season in Philly, as a "welcome aboard, let's do this" sort of thing:
And after the game, Harper pretty much characterized his gift to Manuel in the same fashion, telling reporters, "I brought him a cup of water. He's working so hard, everybody's cheering his name ... "
Bryce Harper was asked about his interaction with Charlie Manuel during the #Phillies 11-1 win over the #Cubs pic.twitter.com/IbssNuheiF
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) August 15, 2019
That's a pretty solid first day at the office. First, all your new employees show off and make you look good, and then you get a crisp, refreshing cup of water without even having to get up out of your chair!
Bryce, the Phillies (un)official Ambassador of All Things Noteworthy given his stature as one of baseball's biggest stars, couldn't have welcomed Manuel back to Philly in a more wholesome way, to be honest.
That's why they call it the City of Brotherly Love.
Adrian Garro joined MLB.com in 2016. Throughout his travels, both Bartolo Colon and Vin Scully have placed their hands on his shoulders. Not at the same time, though. That'd be amazing.
