We won't waste a lot of your time here. Opening Day in South Philadelphia was a lovely affair. The Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves. Bryce Harper embraced Philly to the fullest. And Rhys Hoskins killed baseballs.
A win all around.
But.
What is up with that ugly Dallas Cowboys-looking star that swipes between images on the Phanavision?
At least four different people mentioned it to me. A reminder to the Phillies video team: there is not much Philly fans hate more than the Dallas Cowboys and anything associated with them.
Yes, it probably is meant to be the dot on the 'i' in the Phillies logo, but still. Too close to Dallas for our liking.
Here's a look:
And the Cowboys' ugly logo, via USA Today Sports photos:
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Bryce Harper will make his return to Washington, D.C., as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies and will play against his former Nationals teammates for the first time this evening.
It's safe to say many in DC are still bitter that Harper opted for more money with none of it deferred to play in a city just up the road. DC's Mayor posted, and then deleted, a social post calling Harper a traitor. Countless fans have altered their old Harper jerseys. Some have even changed their dog's names.
And the reception today when Harper takes the field will surely be chilly.
But that doesn't mean Harper won't always have fond memories of his time in DC. He did win some games there. But really missed that real playoff success.
Harper took to Instagram this morning to share some of his feelings about his departure and his time in DC.
"If you would have told me 5 years ago I would be walking into Nationals Park as an opposing player, I would’ve told you that you were crazy," Harper begins his Instagram message. "Five years later, I’m doing just that."
"The things that I will miss most are the relationships I gained on a personal level with so many of the Nationals staff and workers around the ballpark. Every day I walked in, I got a smile or shared a laugh with you. I especially want to thank The Lerner Family and Mike Rizzo for the unwavering support they showed me during my tenure in DC," Harper wrote.
"The city of DC was home."
Note the past tense.
He ends by thanking DC.
You can read the whole message below. And watch Harper and the Phillies take on Max Scherzer and the Nationals this evening.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvwYAn4AFPN/
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The Phillie Phanatic was clearly flattered by Bryce Harper's decision to sport some spikes commemorating the green fella on opening day.
He was so flattered that he paid the gesture back to Harper.
Yes, the Phillie Phanatic got himself some Bryce shoes. Well, his same lime green kicks but with Harper's face on them.
Now that's some amazing dedication by the Phanatic. The guy just gets it.
He was so proud of his work that he had to show his buddy Bryce.
Harper approved.
(James Lang/USA Today Images)
If Harper's cleats or the Phanatic's shoes were sold in stores, they'd be a hit. You'd see a lot more lime green around the city, that's for certain.
(Bill Streicher/USA Today Images)
Another thing for certain: Harper has a new best friend in the Phillie Phanatic.
And they're only two games into this 13-year friendship.
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