Bryce Harper: Nationals Phenom's Response to Hamels' Plunk Adds to Mystique

Bryce Harper has only played eight games in the major leagues, but he has already left an indelible impression.

On Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper made a true ace in Cole Hamels look silly. After being intentionally plunked by Hamels in the first inning, Harper calmly stretched his back, proceeded over to first base, advanced to third on a single...and then stole home against Hamels.

At that moment, Bryce Harper had arrived. 

Harper is still only 19 years old, mind you. He was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2010 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals and had been widely regarded as a premier prospect before making his debut on April 28.

Forget that Harper went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in his major league debut. Forget his game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 2, in which he went 3-for-4, hitting two doubles, scoring two runs and adding an RBI. None of that was nearly as significant as making an ace in Hamels' pay on Sunday.

Hamels said after Sunday's game, via the Chicago Sun-Times:

"

“I was trying to hit him. I’m not going to deny it. I’m not trying to injure the guy. They’re probably not going to like me for it, but I’m not going to say I wasn’t trying to do it. I think they understood the message, and they threw it right back. That’s the way, and I respect it.”

"

When Harper stole home in the first inning, he instantly made a statement. He declared that he would not be intimidated, even if he was facing the reigning NL East champs and a two-time All-Star who holds a 2.45 ERA this season in six starts. His mad dash home was the only run the Nationals scored on Sunday night.

Will Harper be plunked intentionally again? I wouldn't doubt it. But if he keeps responding like this, pitchers are going to find out in a hurry that this is no ordinary rookie.

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