Twelve years ago, a generational prospect became available in the MLB Amateur Draft: Bryce Harper was taken first overall by the Washington Nationals, and helped put the franchise on the map.
After just over a year in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut with the Nats in 2012, and became the Rookie of the Year with a .270/.340/.477 line, 22 home runs, and 18 stolen bases.
He has done nothing but rake ever since: six All-Star games (2012, 2013, 2015–2018), two NL MVP awards (2015, 2021), one All-MLB First Team (2021), the aforementioned Rookie of the Year award (2012), two Silver Slugger Awards (2015, 2021), two NL Hank Aaron Awards (2015, 2021), and the home run crown in 2015 speak loudly about his achievements in the game.
MLB Vault posted a series of Harper photos on Twitter, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his big league debut, which occurred on April 28, 2012.
10 years of @bryceharper3. pic.twitter.com/kVtkGdBJ21
— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) April 28, 2022
From A Beardless Young Kid To An Imposing Slugger
The first one is from his rookie season, when he was a beardless 19-year-old youngster living his dream of becoming a major leaguer.
There are two pictures of his Nationals stint sandwiched in between, and the last one is from last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, his current team.
Not many players have won a Rookie of the Year award and multiple MVPs, and Harper is one of them.
He remains very much a star at 29, as he is fresh off winning the MVP award last season.
In 2021, he slashed .309/.429/.615 with 35 homers and 13 stolen bases, and this year, he is slashing .274/.329/.521 with three dingers.
He is on a quest to take the Phillies to the postseason, and is one of MLB’s biggest stars.
He is still in his prime, at the peak of his physical abilities, so fans should expect another big season from him.
NEXT: MLB Continues To Confuse Fans With Umpiring