Bryce Harper has been a home run machine this season, but he might not be taking his talents to the 2015 Home Run Derby.
Ron Harper, Bryce’s father who pitched to him during the 2013 derby, recently had surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury he suffered while snowboarding. The Washington Nationals slugger said it’s likely his father’s injury will keep him out of this year’s contest.
“I probably won’t be able to do it this year, because he’s my guy,” Harper said via C. Trent Rosencrans of the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Coincidentally, the event will take place at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, and Ron Harper grew up a Reds fan.
“It was weird because he’s from Vegas, and the Dodgers at that time were the big rivalry, but my dad always liked the Reds,” Bryce said. “I think my first Little League team was the Reds. My dad was a huge fan of them. (I’d watch the Big Red Machine on) ESPN Classic, of course. My dad taught me about the Big Red Machine and all those guys. And then there’s Barry Larkin – I could go on and on. I know a lot about the Reds’ history because of my dad. It’s fun to talk to him about it.”
Considering how exciting Harper has been to watch this season, his absence from the 2015 derby would be disappointing. The 22-year-old is currently tied with Nelson Cruz for the MLB lead with 18 homers.
[photo via Twitter]
