Bryce Harper - Tournament of Stars Game - with pics

[200lbhockeyplayer]

So I was able to see the SI cover boy Bryce Harper play today in USA Baseball's Tournament of Stars. Harper is playing for the American Legion team. Today he went a solid 2-4 with a bunt single and a 2-run deep single that may have been ruled a double.

A few observations...
- the kid throw everything from his knees and has some serious arm strength
- you can tell that he lives baseball, every move he makes it with purpose
- he attempted to bunt in the first pitch of his second at-bat, fouled it off
- his fourth and final AB he laid down a perfect bunt with no play at first
- I can't fathom the pressure on this kid's shoulders, and he clearly is working through it

After the game I had him sign a ball and talked to him a bit. I asked about the two bunts as to who made the call...manager or himself and he made the calls and proudly stated, "I had 7 bunt hits this season."

I've heard mixed stories of his signing habits, but overall he was signing for everybody, and personalizing everything. There were very few people at the game so he wasn't bombarded with autograph hounds, mostly kids. There was one person that he flat out refused to sign for one person who apparently has been hounding him all tournament...multiples everyday. Bryce's dad, although looking on, stayed back and Bryce was very clear with a resounding, "Look, I'm not signing anything for you."

Without question he carries himself a lot older than 16.

Here are a few pics...

 

[P_Manning 18]

Looks like someone has been working on an autograph.

Quite the upgrade over the USA cards.

 

[MOFNY]

For nothing is impossible with God

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

For nothing is impossible with God

The Bible verse inscriptions are always interesting to me. Not as someone who believes, just interesting to see the verses people write.

 

[ryanhoward06]

One hell of a Legion team. Some of the best talent available for next years draft. Bryant, Cabrera, O'connor and of course Harper. Then Littlewood and Pfeifer should be early round picks. I'm not positive but I think Michael Wacha is a high ranked player.

You didn't happen to see Jesse Biddle(PONY) or Sean Coyle(Babe Ruth) did you? Both are local players who should be early picks next year. Even though he's not local, did you see James Taillon(PONY) at all? He might be the first pitcher taken next year.

Also for anyone wonder, next year looks like a banner year for HS players(Not too sure on college players).

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

One hell of a Legion team. Some of the best talent available for next years draft. Bryant, Cabrera, O'connor and of course Harper. Then Littlewood and Pfeifer should be early round picks. I'm not positive but I think Michael Wacha is a high ranked player.

You didn't happen to see Jesse Biddle(PONY) or Sean Coyle(Babe Ruth) did you? Both are local players who should be early picks next year. Even though he's not local, did you see James Taillon(PONY) at all? He might be the first pitcher taken next year.

Also for anyone wonder, next year looks like a banner year for HS players(Not too sure on college players).

Cabrera I think only went 1-4 but the hit was a hammered standing triple.

He's the oldest player on the team I believe and clearly his frame shows it.

Shane Henderson for the USA Stars has serious potential reaching the mid-90s with a huge 6'6" frame.

I was planning on catching more games today, but it is just way too hot here in the sun and only the main field has stands and some slight shade. I may head out to the games tomorrow, but I'm not certain yet.

Either way, there is a fairly solid MLB group of Tournament of Stars alumni like; Kazmir, Mauer, McCutchen, Teixeira, both Upton brothers, Hochevar, Huston Street, Zito, Francoer, Loney, etc.

The USA National Training Complex is probably the one reason I can handle the humidity out here.

 

[ryanhoward06]

One hell of a Legion team. Some of the best talent available for next years draft. Bryant, Cabrera, O'connor and of course Harper. Then Littlewood and Pfeifer should be early round picks. I'm not positive but I think Michael Wacha is a high ranked player.

You didn't happen to see Jesse Biddle(PONY) or Sean Coyle(Babe Ruth) did you? Both are local players who should be early picks next year. Even though he's not local, did you see James Taillon(PONY) at all? He might be the first pitcher taken next year.

Also for anyone wonder, next year looks like a banner year for HS players(Not too sure on college players).

Cabrera I think only went 1-4 but the hit was a hammered standing triple.

He's the oldest player on the team I believe and clearly his frame shows it.

Shane Henderson for the USA Stars has serious potential reaching the mid-90s with a huge 6'6" frame.

I was planning on catching more games today, but it is just way too hot here in the sun and only the main field has stands and some slight shade. I may head out to the games tomorrow, but I'm not certain yet.

Either way, there is a fairly solid MLB group of Tournament of Stars alumni like; Kazmir, Mauer, McCutchen, Teixeira, both Upton brothers, Hochevar, Huston Street, Zito, Francoer, Loney, etc.

The USA National Training Complex is probably the one reason I can handle the humidity out here.

I don't think I have read about Henderson, but am very intrigued.

I'm hoping Biddle or Coyle make the 18U team. I don't know if they have ever had a PA kid on the team. I think their chances aren't great but both can help a team. Coyle seems like a great player. Some good power, but is more of a gamer then anything.

Both actually go to the same school.

 

[blitzerlover]

I noticed in the pics he was using a wood bat, they required to use those?

 

[aw00d05]

I noticed in the pics he was using a wood bat, they required to use those?

Pretty sure they are, most kids of that talent level play in wood bat leagues/tournaments.

 

[blitzerlover]

I noticed in the pics he was using a wood bat, they required to use those?

Pretty sure they are, most kids of that talent level play in wood bat leagues/tournaments.

I thought American Legion let you use metal bats.

 

[Rickzcards]

Looks like someone has been working on an autograph.

Quite the upgrade over the USA cards.

No kidding, way better than the one I got.

 

[aw00d05]

I noticed in the pics he was using a wood bat, they required to use those?

Pretty sure they are, most kids of that talent level play in wood bat leagues/tournaments.

I thought American Legion let you use metal bats.

This tourney may be one of those wood bat tourney's. Isn't it preparing the guys for team USA (which is wood only)?

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

Yes, this tournament is wood bat only. The 18U USA Team will have tryouts here in September.

Obviously, most of the players will be culled from this group.

 

[Big Mac McGwire]

Thats cool you got to see him. I might get flamed on for what im about to say but i really dont give a dam so im gonna say that. What i do not understand is this. This kid is going to make millions. THAT IS A FACT. He is going to make more money then most people can dream of. When Mark McGwire was the focus of the world for an entire baseball season he signed autographs for people , and it was more often then not. He didn't try to personalize everybody's autograph. I understand people sell stuff that they get. That is thei decision. But this kid hasn't played 1 inning for a Major League team yet, and he is personalizing everything??? Why? Your 16 and your life can be made into a movie. I just don't understand that. I could see if Pujols or Arod or LeBron or Kobe or Peyton or Tom Brady tried to personalize every autograph because they are the King's of their sport, but Bryce Harper is a Prospect. Prodigy, Possibly, But let's remember all the phenoms that have been dubbed "The Next". I'll end this by saying 1 name - Brien Taylor. I am not bashing anyone. It's cool that Mike got the ball signed. But i don't know why this kid has to personalize everything.

 

[boomo]

he personalizes everything because he is a lock hall of famer and future all time HR leader.
he even said so

 

[beefycheddar]

Thats cool you got to see him. I might get flamed on for what im about to say but i really dont give a dam so im gonna say that. What i do not understand is this. This kid is going to make millions. THAT IS A FACT. He is going to make more money then most people can dream of. When Mark McGwire was the focus of the world for an entire baseball season he signed autographs for people , and it was more often then not. He didn't try to personalize everybody's autograph. I understand people sell stuff that they get. That is thei decision. But this kid hasn't played 1 inning for a Major League team yet, and he is personalizing everything??? Why? Your 16 and your life can be made into a movie. I just don't understand that. I could see if Pujols or Arod or LeBron or Kobe or Peyton or Tom Brady tried to personalize every autograph because they are the King's of their sport, but Bryce Harper is a Prospect. Prodigy, Possibly, But let's remember all the phenoms that have been dubbed "The Next". I'll end this by saying 1 name - Brien Taylor. I am not bashing anyone. It's cool that Mike got the ball signed. But i don't know why this kid has to personalize everything.

There also was little to no autograph market in 1987 when McGwire signed compared to today. If someone really wants an autograph for themselves they'd have it personalized. I know if I have an opportunity getting a ball signed I ask for it to be personalized.

 

[200lbhockeyplayer]

Personalizing autographs has been fairly rampant for years...especially by top picks or those expected to be top picks. I know in low-A ball, Mauer would not sign the sweet spot unless he personalized it. Adrian Gonzalez simply signed the side panels.

Harper personalized everything and I don't think anyone had too much of a problem with it, and he clearly wasn't a jerk about it. One thing for sure, it did feel bizarre to get an autograph of a 16-year-old kid, but there was no real difference I guess than Bryce now at 16, than Miguel Cabrera at 17.

I also think personalizing autographs will limit the number of autographs he signs...plus, there is no doubt in my mind that his "advisor" requested that he personalize all autographs. You can bet when he gets drafted, he'll be seeking high dollars for autographs as well, so but no to water down the market.

 

[jbone17]

he personalizes everything because he is a lock hall of famer and future all time HR leader.
he even said so

Okay, let me see where he said that.

 

[Big Mac McGwire]

i understand. Even in 98' when mcgwire's auto was the most sought after he didnt personalize eveything. I guess it all comes down to preference. Bruce Springsteen signed 2 of my albums, and he personalized them. i did not care, i was just happy to get them. Would i have preferred him not too, sure. I do not sell any autograph i get in person. I Guess it's just a preference. I don't know. I Guess ssome guys are like that.

 

[ryanhoward06]

I can see where he is coming from. In fact, I would probably do the same thing.

Personally, I like personalized autographs.