Childhood and Education Journey of Bryce Harper in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Bryce Harper, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Bryce Harper is a professional baseball outfielder and first baseman currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. Prior to joining the Phillies, he played for the Washington Nationals. He is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball.

Sections (4)

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

October 16, 1992: Bryce Harper's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

2008: Plays for United States U-18 Baseball Team

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

May 2009: Sports Illustrated Cover Story

In May 2009, Sports Illustrated featured Bryce Harper in a cover story, comparing him to LeBron James.

October 2009: Earned GED

In October 2009, Bryce Harper earned his GED in his junior year of high school.

2009: Wins Gold at Pan American U-18 Baseball Championship

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

August 26, 2010: Introduction by Nationals

On August 26, 2010, Bryce Harper was introduced by the Washington Nationals, revealing he chose No. 34 because "I always loved Mickey Mantle, three and four equals seven."

2010: Enrolled at College of Southern Nevada

For the 2010 college season, Bryce Harper enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, where he was a catcher.

2010: Golden Spikes Award

In 2010, Bryce Harper won the Golden Spikes Award while attending the College of Southern Nevada.

2010: Ejection from Game

On June 2, 2010, Bryce Harper was ejected from a National Junior College World Series game and suspended for two games.

April 2011: Received contact lenses

In April 2011, Bryce Harper visited an optometrist and received contact lenses to correct his vision.

April 25, 2014: Thumb Injury

During a game on April 25, 2014, Bryce Harper suffered a left thumb injury when he slid into third base. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day.

2014: Engaged to Kayla Varner

In 2014, Bryce Harper and his girlfriend Kayla Varner got engaged.

January 2015: Wedding Postponed

In January 2015, Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner's wedding, which had been planned, did not take place.

2015: 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.

July 2016: Reconciliation and Re-engagement

In July 2016, Kayla Varner announced that she and Bryce Harper had reconciled and were re-engaged.

September 2016: José Fernández's Death

In September 2016, Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández died in a boat crash.

December 2016: Marriage to Kayla Varner

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

2016: Appears on The Tonight Show and Signs 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.

2016: Harper Discusses Faith and Role Model Status

In a 2016 interview, Bryce Harper talked about his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his desire to be a role model both on and off the field.

2018: Supports Vegas Golden Knights

In 2018, Bryce Harper showed his support for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL by dropping the puck before a game and putting their logo on his bat during their Stanley Cup Finals run.

August 22, 2019: Birth of First Child

On August 22, 2019, Bryce Harper's first child, a son, was born in Las Vegas.

2019: Appears on The Tonight Show and Cover Athlete for 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, which featured him as the cover athlete.

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March 2020: MLB Season Suspension

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

November 2020: Birth of Second Child

In November 2020, Bryce Harper's second child, a daughter, was born.

August 12, 2022: Harper to Join US National Baseball Team

On August 12, 2022, Bryce Harper announced his intention to join the United States national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, alongside Phillies teammates J. T. Realmuto and Trea Turner.

November 23, 2022: Tommy John Surgery

On November 23, 2022, Harper underwent Tommy John surgery for a ligament tear.

2023: Relocates to Knoxville, Tennessee

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

2023: Baseball returns as a competition sport in the Olympics

In 2023, it was announced that baseball would return as a competition sport in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

April 2024: Birth of Third Child

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

2024: Relocates to Knoxville, Tennessee

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

April 2025: Announcement of Fourth Pregnancy

In April 2025, Harper announced that they are expecting their fourth child by debuting a blue colored bat, handed to him by Trea Turner, revealing that baby is a boy.

October 2, 2025: Birth of Fourth Child

On October 2, 2025, Bryce Harper and his wife welcomed their fourth child, a son.

2028: Hope to participate in 2028 Summer Olympics

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