No hard feelings as Harper returns for first business trip
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By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Welcome back, Bryce!
How about that schedule maker, huh? If you had signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of the Philadelphia Phillies, your return to Washington wouldn’t occur until July 27, with nearly two-thirds of the season behind us. Emotions wouldn’t be as raw then as they’ll be Tuesday night, when take the field at Nationals Park for the first time with your new team.
Oh well.
Not sure how much you’ve followed the discussion since leaving, but you’ve remained a focal point and hot topic around here. We’ve barely gotten used to seeing you in a Phillies No. 3 jersey; now you’re about to face Max Scherzer and roam right field for the enemy. We’ll all grow accustomed to this arrangement in due time.
But right now, it’s still a bit weird.
Lots of folks are wondering about the reception that awaits when you head to the batter’s box. I see the subject came up over the weekend and your response was perfect. “I’m sure there will be some cheers and some boos as well,” you told reporters. “It’s part of the game. It’s part of sports.”
It’s a part that I find hilarious.
I understand children being crushed when one of their favorite athletes leaves for another team. But it’s funny to me – and kind of sad – when grownups get their feelings hurt, as if an athlete signing elsewhere is a personal affront.
How dare you make a career decision that doesn’t have Nats fans’ best interests at heart!
Don’t get me wrong. I got a kick from the defaced No. 34 jerseys on display during the Nats’ season opener. One guy cut a hole above the number where your name used to be. Another crossed out your identifiers and replaced them with “Soto,” and “22.” One replaced “Harper” with “B. Arnold.” Yet another just spray-painted a big, black “X” on the back of his.
Those are good for jokes, but some fans obviously took it way more seriously. Like the guy who added an expletive above your name and a dollar sign underneath it. I imagine he’s among those genuinely upset about your actions – and lack thereof – since the breakup became official.
Maybe there was a memo you missed, but departing athletes apparently are obligated to write heartfelt “thank you” letters in the Players Tribune. Or place billboards around the city. Or purchase full-page ads in the local newspaper. Or post a farewell message on social media.
You, sir, have done none of those things and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Yes, you posted a picture on Instagram and wrote “To the fans and city of DC, thank you!” after your last home game at Nationals Park. But I guess that doesn’t count because your exit wasn’t a done deal at that point. Washington was still in the running and some fans held out hope that you’d be a lifelong Nat. They’re waiting for one, last, final acknowledgment.
According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, you plan to make a formal statement of thanks Tuesday, prior to the game. Good for you.
Just realize that it’s too late for some critics. And rest assured that others will never forgive you, anyway. They’re either mad that you left at all, mad that you left for Philadelphia, or mad about both.
Can we be frank? No offense, but I’m glad the Nats didn’t break the bank to retain you.
My gut tells me they’re better off – all things considered – without tying you up for $330 over 13 years. And I absolutely understand your reluctance to accept Washington’s $300 million contract with a large amount deferred. Cash in hand beats two handfuls when you’re older, or something like that.
So, no hard feelings, it’s all just business. Contracts end and they aren’t always renewed. In cases like this, my message is simple: “Congratulations and good luck” (except where the Nats are concerned).
Rooting against you should deliver the same fun we had cheering for you. As far as I’m concerned, nothing can spoil the memories. Seems like you concur.
“I’ll always remember and cherish all the screaming and yelling and exciting times that we had the last seven years,” you told reporters in Philly. “I wish the Nats noting but the best, all the players in that clubhouse. It’s a great fan base, a great city to live in. Just excited to go back and excited to compete.”
And we’re excited to watch.
Here’s hoping you go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts!
— Brooklyn-born and Howard-educated, Deron Snyder writes his award-winning column for The Washington Times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Follow him on Twitter @DeronSnyder.
