Philadelphia Phillies Star Supports Teammates But Wishes He Was Competing At WBC
Bryce Harper is arguably the most competitive player in Major League Baseball.
That’s why watching the World Baseball Classic from afar has been extremely difficult.
Harper has no choice.
He’s recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected back in a live game until mid-July.
For now, all he can do is go through his rehab and wait.
And support his teammates.
“I’m definitely bummed out. I wish I was there,” Harper told reporters at spring training in Clearwater, Fla. “I wish I was representing our country. Playing for Team USA at 16 and 18 (years old), there’s nothing like having ‘USA’ across your chest. You’re playing for something much bigger than yourself. It’s such a fun experience to play with the best of the best. They’re some of the best players in baseball the sport has ever seen. It would have been a lot of fun.”
Harper committed to Team USA last August but obviously had to withdraw following the UCL injury to his elbow.
The Philadelphia Phillies are well represented throughout the WBC, especially on Team USA with Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.
In 2009, Harper was a member of USA Baseball’s U18 team that also included teammate Nick Castellanos. In ’08, Harper played for USA Baseball’s U16 squad.
While Harper is forced to watch on television, he’s still only 30 years old. There will be another opportunity at age 33 in a few years.
“I’m hoping in three years I’m still kind of cool, so I can do it,” Harper said.
There’s no question that Harper can do it. He can do virtually anything. The Phillies fan base has witnessed Harper’s heroics since he joined the organization.
Without Harper, the Phillies would not have advanced to the World Series last season.
The odds are strong that Harper will be donning ‘USA’ across his jersey in 2026. He’ll be motivated. That you can expect.
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