NEW YORK -- Bryce Harper (Mondo) started his Harper's Heroes program so he could bring children and families affected by childhood cancers to a game at Nationals Park.
:: Players' Weekend presented by Valspar Stain ::
Saturday, as part of Players' Weekend, Harper carried some of those kids right onto the field with him by wearing cleats specially designed by kids during the past two Harper's Heroes events. Harper also used bats designed by the children.
"That's what it's all about, going out there with those kinds of things and being able to play for the ones who can't really play," Harper said after the game, a 3-0 Nationals loss to the Mets at Citi Field. "It's an amazing game to be able to do the things you love and remember the ones you've lost and be able to play for the ones that aren't able to play."
• Shop Players' Weekend gear | Best cleats used on Players' Weekend
The Harper's Heroes program began in 2014, and three times each season Harper hosts children and families for a game. Harper meets with the children, and they have a chance to watch batting practice as well as the game. They are also given T-shirts and NatsBucks to spend at the park.
"There are many things in life that are bigger than baseball and these kids show me that every time I see them!" Harper wrote on his Instagram feed (@BHarper3407) Saturday.