Bryce Harper rocked Phillie Phanatic cleats for his raucous Citizens Bank Park debut
Suffice to say, Bryce Harper is a pretty popular guy in Philadelphia. After signing a 13-year deal with the Phillies this winter, fans have been going wild. They bought so many jerseys, the team store couldn't keep the letter "R" in stock.
Harper is more than happy to pay back this love, too. Before the game, Harper wore a T-shirt adorned with the two most famous Philadelphians of all-time: Gritty and the Phanatic.
They have arrived. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/WXb83NJNv2
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 28, 2019
But he took it to a new level on the field: Harper wore Phanatic cleats. Yes, this is a guy who is making himself more than at home in Philadelphia. (Plus, check out those sweet old school stirrups that Harper is rocking under his long pants.)
.@bryceharper3: Philly guy. pic.twitter.com/PYNejTtNEu
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 28, 2019
The fans certainly appreciated it. Harper got one heck of an ovation when he was announced:
Bryce Harper introduced to Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park for first time!
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 28, 2019
Standing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻#RingTheBell#OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/n7RNdbT8Jt
And when he took the field in right, Harper gave a very gracious bow:
LET'S GO! pic.twitter.com/iyBTxPxb8u
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 28, 2019
This 13-year relationship is starting in a very good place.
Michael Clair writes for MLB.com. He spends a lot of time thinking about walk-up music and believes stirrup socks are an integral part of every formal outfit.
