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Cal Raleigh's 3 Homer Game ๐Ÿงจ
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 scores on a two run home run in the first inning by Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 scores on a two run home run in the first inning by Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Bryce Harper Talks Phillies Spring Training Debut, Fan Reaction vs. Blue Jays

Megan Armstrong
Mar 9, 2019

After the Philadelphia Phillies' spring training loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon, Bryce Harper reflected positively on his first game with his new team.ย 

Meeting with reporters at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida, Harper said the fan support was what made his debut so special. "That's what it's all about," he said. "It was good to see the fans show out today, support us, out there for us.

"And just being around the guys and being in the dugout again and getting some dirt on my cleatsโ€”it was a lot of fun."

Harper finished the day with two plate appearances, both resulting in walks.

Even if fans didn't get to see a Harper home runโ€”with Harper locked into a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, there will be plenty of opportunitiesโ€”the 26-year-old added some Philly flavor to his first at-bat with the team by walking up to theย Fresh Prince of Bel-Airย theme song.ย 

Mattย Breenย of theย Philadelphia Inquirerย posted a video of Harper expressing gratitude for the standing ovation Phillies fans gave him at a sold-out Spectrum Field:

Harper did give a sneak peek into what's to come for the Phillies when his first-inning walk turned into a run scored after left fielder Rhysย Hoskinsย belted a home run. Asย Hoskinsย touched home plate,ย Harper told himย to "get used to this."

Harper has wasted no time in voicing his dedication to Philly. On March 5, Harper told Philadelphia radio station 94ย WIPย (h/t Toddย Zoleckiย ofย MLB.com), "If you don't think I'm gonna call Mike Trout to have him come to Philly, you're crazy." Whether the Phillies land Trout is a faraway proposition, but they have Harper.ย 

The six-time All-Star wears No. 3 for the Phillies, and ironically, Philadelphia sports radio hostย Joeย Giglioย touted Harper as the most important athlete in Philadelphia since Allen Iverson.

Like Iverson, Harperย literallyย wore his heart on his sleeve for Saturday's game. And if one game is any indication, the Phillies will be must-watch for 13 years to come.

Cal Raleigh's 3 Homer Game ๐Ÿงจ