Phillies' Bryce Harper Donates $500K to Las Vegas, Philadelphia COVID-19 Relief

Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper announced Thursday that he would be donating $500,000 in total to three foundations—the Direct Relief and Three Square foundations in Las Vegas and the Philabundance foundation in Philadelphia—in support of COVID-19 relief efforts.

"Las Vegas will always be my family's first home. Philadelphia, our home away from home, welcomed us with open arms from day one," Harper wrote in his statement. "These communities mean so much to us, and Kayla and I want to do our part to help battle the effects of the virus in Vegas and Philly."

The Phillies as an organization, meanwhile, started a $1 million fund for team employees impacted by the MLB hiatus. Team owner John Middleton spoke in March about that decision, per CBS Philly:

"During this period of uncertainty, the Phillies want to provide reassurance to our staff by making financial assistance available to those who have been impacted by the delay of the start of the 2020 regular season. Their contributions are a vital part of our fans' experience at Citizens Bank Park, and we want them to have peace of mind as we navigate through this unprecedented time."

MLB's Opening Day was originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26, though because of the COVID-19 pandemic the season has been suspended. It is unclear when, or if, the games will return, with the possibility the league adopts an unorthodox format for the season if play does resume.

One rumor, per 670 The Score's Nick Spiegel, is that the league will consider playing a 100-game season, with no All-Star Game, and the World Series played on a neutral field in a warm-weather city. That potential format would have games beginning on July 1. 

Given that the United States currently has the world's highest total of documented coronavirus cases (234,462, according to CNN.com), however, a July 1 return to action may be fairly optimistic. 

As for Harper, the 27-year-old outfielder had a solid first season in Philadelphia, hitting .260 with 35 homers, 114 RBI, 98 runs and 15 stolen bases. But it was a disappointing year for the Phillies overall, as they finished just 81-81, fourth in the NL East.