While Bryce Harper may be your early season MVP the 22 year old slugger is contemplating skipping the homerun derby. His 18 homers has him tied for the major league lead at the moment. While the world would love to see the free swinging Harper crush the ball at this years derby Harper told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he may not participate in the long ball event but that he hasn’t made a final decision.
“We’ll see if I end up doing it or not,” Harper said. “As of right now, I don’t know if I’ll end up doing it.”
One of the biggest reasons Harper may decide to forego the event is the health of his father Ron Harper. Ron pitched for Bryce in the 2013 home run derby, when he placed second to Yoenis Cespedes. Ron Harper suffered a snowboarding accident causing him to undergo rotator cuff surgery.
“I probably won’t be able to do it this year, because he’s my guy,” Harper told the Enquirer of his father.
This years All Star Events takes place in Cincinnati Ohio at the Great American Ball Park from July 12-14th. If there is one thing that could change his mind it could be Ron Harper’s admiration for the Cincinnati Reds.
“My dad taught me about the Big Red Machine and all those guys. And then there’s Barry Larkin — I could go on and on,” Bryce Harper said. “I know a lot about the Reds’ history because of my dad. It’s fun to talk to him about it.”
The entire sports world would love to see Harper in action at this year’s derby, let’s take a look back at some of his home runs this season.
Harper’s Opening Day Blast.
Harper’s walk-off two run homer, his 6th in three games.
Harper launches a moonshot off Phillies pitcher Aaron Harang.
One game, three at bats = three home runs
