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 prominent American professional baseball player currently playing as a first baseman and outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He previously played for the Washington Nationals.

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 would become a professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

May 2009: Sports Illustrated Cover Story

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, allowing him to be eligible for the MLB draft earlier.

April 2011: New Contact Lenses Improve Performance

In April 2011, after a slow start in the minor leagues, Bryce Harper received contact lenses after visiting an optometrist. He improved his batting average in the following games.

2014: Engagement to Kayla Varner

In 2014, Harper got engaged to Kayla Varner.

January 2015: Wedding Cancellation

In January 2015, Harper's scheduled wedding with Kayla Varner did not take place.

2015: Featured in ESPN's The Magazine Body Issue

In 2015, 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 Harper had reconciled and were re-engaged.

September 2016: Death of José Fernández

In September 2016, Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández died in a boat crash. He was honored by Harper in the 2017 All-Star game.

December 2016: Marriage to Kayla Varner

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

2016: Appearance on The Tonight Show and Under Armour Deal

In 2016, Harper appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to play Catch Phrase, and signed a 10-year extension with Under Armour.

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2016: Statements on Faith and Career

In 2016, Harper discussed his faith, stating he felt he was meant to be a 'walking Book of Mormon' and to positively influence people through baseball.

2017: Harper's All-Star Game appearance

In 2017, Harper was the top overall vote-getter for the National League to start in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and received the most votes of any one player overall. He went 1-for-1 with a walk and made a diving catch, and honored José Fernández by wearing special cleats.

2018: Support for Vegas Golden Knights

In 2018, Harper supported the Vegas Golden Knights during their Stanley Cup Finals run by putting their logo on his bat.

August 22, 2019: Birth of First Child

On August 22, 2019, Harper's first child, a son, was born in Las Vegas while he was on paternity leave.

2019: Appearance on The Tonight Show and Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 19

In 2019, 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 Suspended Due to COVID-19

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

November 2020: Birth of Second Child

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

2023: Relocation to Knoxville, Tennessee

In 2023, Harper relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee during the offseason.

2023: Baseball returns as competition sport at 2028 Summer Olympics

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

April 2024: Birth of Third Child

In April 2024, Harper's third child, a daughter, was born.

2024: Relocation to Knoxville, Tennessee

In 2024, Harper relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee during the offseason.

April 2025: Announcement of Fourth Pregnancy

In April 2025, Harper announced that he and his wife Kayla were expecting their fourth child, a boy, by debuting a blue colored bat, which was handed to him by Trea Turner.