History of Bryce Harper in Timeline

Bryce Harper is a professional baseball player currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies as a first baseman and right fielder in MLB. He formerly played for the Washington Nationals. He is known for his hitting prowess and has been a prominent figure in Major League Baseball since his debut.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1900: Top-5 Hitting Season

In 2015, Measured by OPS+, which adjusts on-base plus slugging for park factors and normalizes it against league averages, Harper's season was a top-5 hitting season since 1900 for all players under the age of 23.

1964: Teenager Steals Home Plate

Bryce Harper became the first teenager to steal home plate since 1964.

1969: Joe Lahoud Achievement

In 2015, Bryce Harper became the youngest player to hit three home runs in a single game since Joe Lahoud achieved the same feat in 1969.

October 16, 1992: Bryce Harper Born

Bryce Aron Max Harper was born on October 16, 1992. He is an American professional baseball first baseman and right fielder.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Record Set in April

In 2017, Harper set the MLB record for runs scored in the month of April with 32, surpassing Larry Walker's 29, which he achieved in 1997.

1998: Youngest Player to Homer

Bryce Harper was the youngest player to homer in the major leagues since Adrián Beltré did in 1998.

2006: Mets' Prospect Appeared in League

In 2006, Mets' prospect Fernando Martínez appeared in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). Bryce Harper was the second-youngest player in the history of the league, only two days older than Fernando Martínez was when he appeared in 2006.

2008: United States U-18 Baseball Team

In 2008, Harper played for the United States U-18 baseball team before being drafted by the Nationals.

May 2009: Sports Illustrated Cover

In May 2009, Bryce Harper was featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story, being compared to LeBron James.

October 2009: Earned GED

In October 2009, Bryce Harper earned his GED in his junior year, reclassifying to be eligible earlier for the MLB draft.

2009: Phillies Pennant

In 2009, Bryce Harper helped lead the Phillies to their first pennant since 2009, winning the NLCS MVP in the process.

2009: Pan American U-18 Baseball Championship

In 2009, Harper represented the United States at the Pan American U-18 Baseball Championship in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where the team won gold.

June 2010: MLB Draft Eligibility

Bryce Harper became eligible for the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft in June 2010.

August 26, 2010: Signed with Nationals

On August 26, 2010, Bryce Harper signed a five-year contract worth $9.9 million with the Washington Nationals. Harper chose to wear No. 34.

2010: NJCAA World Series Performance

During the 2010 Western district finals of the NJCAA World Series, Bryce Harper had exceptional performances, including going 6-for-7 with five RBIs and hitting for the cycle in one game, and hitting four home runs in another game.

2010: Enrolled at College of Southern Nevada

For the 2010 college season, Bryce Harper, then 17, enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, where he played as a catcher. He was named the 2010 SWAC Player of the Year and broke the school's home run record.

2010: Drafted by Washington Nationals

In 2010, Bryce Harper was drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals. He was drafted as an outfielder to accelerate his development.

2010: Won Golden Spikes Award, Drafted First Overall

In 2010, Bryce Harper won the Golden Spikes Award while attending the College of Southern Nevada. He was then selected as the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals.

2010: Phillies Advance to NLCS

In 2022, the Phillies advancing to the NLCS marked the first time since 2010.

2010: Ejection from National Junior College World Series game

On June 2, 2010, Bryce Harper was ejected from a National Junior College World Series game for disputing a called third strike, resulting in a two-game suspension that ended his amateur career. Later in 2010, Harper won the Golden Spikes Award.

2010: AFL Championship

On November 20, Bryce Harper and the Scottsdale Scorpions won the 2010 Arizona Fall League (AFL) Championship.

April 2011: Received Contact Lenses

In April 2011, Bryce Harper visited an optometrist who prescribed him contact lenses. Following this, Harper's performance significantly improved.

2011: All-Star Futures Game and Hamstring Injury

In 2011, Bryce Harper was selected for the All-Star Futures Game and was promoted to the Harrisburg Senators. On August 18, 2011, he injured his hamstring, ending his season.

2011: Ryan Howard's Season Achievement

In 2019, Harper was the first Philadelphia Phillies player since Ryan Howard in 2011 to hit for 100 RBIs or more in a season.

2011: Phillies Playoff Appearance

In August, Harper went to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs as part of his rehab for his thumb fracture in June. In 2022 the Phillies surged in the second half to reach the playoffs, their first appearance since 2011.

2011: Consecutive Home Runs

On July 27, 2017, Harper hit one of four consecutive home runs by Nationals hitters off Milwaukee Brewers starter Michael Blazek. This feat hadn't occurred in Major League Baseball since the 2011 season.

April 27, 2012: Promotion to Major Leagues

Bryce Harper was promoted to the major leagues by the Nationals on April 27, 2012, after Ryan Zimmerman was placed on the disabled list.

April 28, 2012: MLB Debut

Bryce Harper made his Major League Baseball debut with the Washington Nationals on April 28, 2012, at the age of 19.

2012: Season with Syracuse Chiefs

Bryce Harper began the 2012 season with the Syracuse Chiefs of the Triple-A International League.

2012: First Postseason Home Run

During Game 5 of the 2012 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, Bryce Harper hit his first postseason home run.

2012: Rookie of the Year Award

In 2012, Bryce Harper won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2013: Opening Day Home Runs, All-Star Selection

In 2013, Bryce Harper hit two home runs on Opening Day, becoming the youngest major league player to achieve this. He was also voted a starter for the MLB All-Star Game in 2013.

2013: Home Run Derby Participation and Knee Surgery

In 2013, Bryce Harper participated in the Home Run Derby, reaching the final round. He also surpassed Ken Griffey Jr. for most home runs by a player younger than 21. During the 2013 off-season, Harper underwent left knee surgery.

April 25, 2014: Thumb Injury

On April 25, 2014, Bryce Harper injured his left thumb during a game against the San Diego Padres. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for a period.

2014: Withdrawal from Japan All-Star Series

After the 2014 season, Bryce Harper had planned to participate in the 2014 Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series, but later withdrew from it.

2014: Harper and Varner get engaged

Bryce Harper and his girlfriend Kayla Varner got engaged in 2014.

2014: Home Runs off Strickland

During the 2014 National League Division Series, Harper hit two home runs off of Hunter Strickland. The Giants ultimately won the series.

January 2015: Harper and Varner wedding called off

In January 2015, Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner's wedding, initially planned for this month, did not take place.

April 18, 2015: Longest Home Run

On April 18, 2015, Bryce Harper hit the longest home run of his MLB career, measured at 461 feet.

2015: Awards for Historic Season

Bryce Harper received numerous awards for his historic 2015 season, including the National League Most Valuable Player award, the Hank Aaron Award, and being named Baseball America's Player of the Year. ESPN also chose him as its 2015 MLB Person of the Year.

2015: Exceptional Hitting Season

Bryce Harper's 2015 season was a top-5 hitting season for players under 23 since 1900. Harper led the majors in WAR and tied for the NL home run title with 42 in 2015.

2015: Tied for NL Home Run Lead, MVP Award

In 2015, Bryce Harper tied for the National League lead in home runs. He was also named the NL Most Valuable Player for 2015.

2015: Harper featured in ESPN's The Magazine Body Issue

In 2015, Bryce Harper was featured in a nonrevealing naked format in ESPN's The Magazine Body Issue.

April 14, 2016: First Grand Slam

On April 14, 2016, Bryce Harper hit his first career grand slam for his 100th career home run.

July 2016: Harper and Varner reconcile and re-engage

In July 2016, Kayla Varner announced her reconciliation and re-engagement with Bryce Harper.

September 2016: Death of José Fernández

In September 2016, Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, who held Harper to a career .211 batting average against him, passed away in a boat crash.

December 2016: Harper and Varner get married

In December 2016, Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner were married at the San Diego California Temple.

2016: Harper appears on The Tonight Show and signs deal with Under Armour

In 2016, Bryce Harper appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to play Catch Phrase and signed a 10-year extension with Under Armour, which was the largest endorsement deal in history for a baseball player at the time.

2016: Harper discusses his faith and role as a 'Book of Mormon'

In 2016, Bryce Harper stated he felt his Heavenly Father wanted him to be a 'walking Book of Mormon' and to touch lives by being the best Mormon he can be, both on and off the field.

2016: Harper's Season Statistics

In 2016, Harper played 147 games, finishing with a .243 batting average, 24 home runs, and 86 RBIs. He also had 108 walks, with 20 being intentional, the most in the MLB.

2016: Nationals' Season and Playoff Outcome

In 2016, the Washington Nationals finished the season with a 95–67 record, clinching the NL East division. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

April 3, 2017: Harper's Opening Day Performance

On April 3, 2017, during Opening Day, Harper hit a solo home run, struck out, and walked against the Miami Marlins. This was his fifth career home run in a season opener, the most by a player younger than 25.

2017: Walk-off Home Run

In 2017, Harper hit a walk-off home run versus the Philadelphia Phillies for the second time in the season, after doing it on April 16 as well.

2017: All-Star Game Selection and Performance

In 2017, Harper was the top overall vote-getter for the National League to start in the MLB All-Star Game, receiving the most votes overall. As the starting right fielder, he went 1-for-1 with a walk and made a diving catch. He honored José Fernández by wearing special cleats.

2017: Postseason Series Since 2017

In Harper's first postseason series since 2017, he hit a home run in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series vs St. Louis in an eventual 2–0 victory.

2018: Signed with Phillies

During the 2018-19 offseason, Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2018: Harper supports the Vegas Golden Knights

In 2018, Bryce Harper showed support for the Vegas Golden Knights during their Stanley Cup Finals run by putting their logo on his bat. He is a known fan of the team and dropped the puck at a game during their inaugural season.

2018: All-Star Game and Season Statistics

In 2018, Harper drew more walks and was named a starting outfielder for the MLB All-Star Game, where he also won the homerun derby. He finished the season with a career-high 130 walks, 34 home runs, a .249 batting average, and 100 RBIs. He became a free agent after the season.

2018: Bryce Harper Field dedicated in Washington, D.C.

In 2018, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation and the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation renovated a baseball field in D.C. and named it Bryce Harper Field.

2018: Contract Agreement

On May 13, 2018, Harper and the Nationals avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $21.625-million contract.

March 2, 2019: Signing with the Philadelphia Phillies

On March 2, 2019, Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a record for the largest MLB contract at the time. He chose to wear No. 3 and at his first press conference he misspoke about bringing a title back to D.C.

March 30, 2019: First Hit as a Phillie

On March 30, 2019, Harper's first hit as a member of the Phillies was a 465-foot home run off Jesse Biddle of the Atlanta Braves.

August 15, 2019: Walk-off Grand Slam

On August 15, 2019, Harper hit a walk-off grand slam against the Chicago Cubs.

August 22, 2019: Harper's first child born

On August 22, 2019, Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner welcomed their first child, a son, in Las Vegas while Harper was on paternity leave.

September 3, 2019: 100th RBI of the Season

On September 3, 2019, Harper batted in his 100th RBI of the season, marking his second consecutive year with 100 or more RBIs. He was the first Phillies player since Ryan Howard in 2011 to achieve this.

2019: Harper appears on The Tonight Show and on the cover of MLB The Show 19

In 2019, Bryce Harper appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to play the video game MLB The Show 19 and was featured as the cover athlete for the game.

March 2020: MLB Season Suspension

In March 2020, the MLB season was suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2020: Harper's second child born

In November 2020, Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner welcomed their second child, a daughter.

2021: Second NL MVP Award

Bryce Harper won his second NL MVP award in 2021 with the Phillies.

August 12, 2022: World Baseball Classic Announcement

On August 12, 2022, Harper announced that he would join the United States national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

October 23, 2022: Game-Winning Home Run and NLCS MVP

On October 23, 2022, during game 5 of the National League Championship Series, Harper hit a go-ahead two-run home run off of Robert Suárez, leading the Phillies to the 2022 World Series. He was voted 2022 NLCS MVP.

November 23, 2022: Tommy John Surgery

On November 23, 2022, Harper underwent Tommy John surgery for a ligament tear and was expected to return as the Phillies' everyday designated hitter around the All-Star break. He returned earlier than expected in May, using a large arm brace.

2022: Regular Season Performance

During the 2022 regular season, Harper batted .286/.364/.514, had 63 runs, 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, 7 sacrifice flies, and 9 intentional walks. He played 90 games at DH and eight games in right field.

2023: Relocation to Knoxville

During the 2023/2024 offseason, Harper relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee.

2023: Hopes for 2028 Olympics Participation

In 2023, Harper expressed his hope that MLB players would be allowed to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles after it was announced baseball would return as a competition sport.

2023: Unable to play in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Harper was unable to play in the World Baseball Classic due to rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in the offseason.

April 2024: Harper's third child born

In April 2024, Bryce and Kayla Harper welcomed their third child, a daughter.

July 13, 2024: Homer Against Every MLB Team

On July 13, 2024, Harper achieved the milestone of homering against every team in Major League Baseball, hitting a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics.

2024: Relocation to Knoxville

During the 2023/2024 offseason, Harper relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee.

May 16, 2025: 1,000th RBI Milestone

On May 16, 2025, Harper recorded his 1,000th RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also became the fourteenth player in MLB history to reach 1,000 RBIs, 1,000 runs, and 1,000 walks before turning 33.

2028: Potential Olympics Participation

In 2028, the Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, and Harper expressed his desire to represent the USA if MLB players are allowed to participate.