There aren't many bigger names in the MLB than Philadelphia Phillies' superstar outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper is not only well known around the MLB but is known quite well around the wide world of sports as a whole for his play on the field. It doesn't matter if it's for good or bad, Harper always has the spotlight on him. Whether you think he's overrated like much of Twitter, it's difficult to ignore his career accolades to date. Awards like the 2012 National League (NL) Rookie of the Year and unanimous NL MVP in 2015 to name a couple. It also helps in becoming a global sports personality when you're on the cover of Sports Illustrated at just 16-years-old effectively drawing Lebron James comparisons. The SI cover and the label "Chosen One" will do that to anyone.
But what is Harper like off the field and more so away from the game of baseball? Here are 14 things about his life when he isn't on the diamond.
14 Married His High School Sweetheart At 23-Years-Old
After a failed engagement in 2015, Harper reunited with his highschool sweetheart Kayla Varner a few months later and the two officially got married in 2016. The two credit their religious beliefs as to be one of if not the most important part of their marriage.
13 Dropped Out Of High School After Grade 10
By the time Harper was in grade 10, he was long past the world of education because of his baseball talent. By the end of the 10th grade, Harper was able to obtain his GED making him eligible for the MLB Draft where he would go first overall to the Washington Nationals.
12 Huge Dog Person
Harper has been known around the league and by his friends and family for his love of dogs, like most of us. His most recent addition to the family is named Wrigley (not pictured above). The name choice sparked all of the Harper to the Cubs rumors you could think of.
11 Regular Church Goer As A Mormon
As mentioned, both Harper's are deeply rooted in the Mormon religion. Bryce takes his role as a Mormon very seriously evidently with his no alcohol rule. He's admitted to sometimes having the odd cup of coffee during games, but we won't tell.
10 He Doesn't Drink (At All)
Who is does this guy think he is the Tom Brady of baseball? All kidding aside, Harper is completely dry. This might make his stake in the ownership of a national bar kind of ironic, but any business is good business. Gotta give him credit for the dedication in taking care of his body too.
9 He Is A Car Enthusiast
If you're making the money Harper is making now with the Phillies, it's acceptable to collect something expensive like classic cars. Harper does enjoy a nice set of wheels like his custom 1969 Chevy Camero he had personally built for him one off-season.
8 Great Friends With Kris Bryant
The bromance between these two stems from their childhoods spent together in Nevada. The two have stayed tight since and even their wives have become good friends. Harper and Bryant have either played against each other or on the same team since they were eight-years-old.
7 His "Harper's Heros" Program For Leukemia & Lymphoma
Where Harper may be one of the more firey players on the field, he has a heart of gold off of it. He partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society back in 2013 when he launched his "Harpers Heros" program. The program is devoted to helping kids fight against blood cancers
6 Used To Be A Catcher
Though he has played the outfield for his entire MLB career thus far, Harper was actually a catcher for pretty much all of his career prior to the MLB. The Nationals drafted him as an outfielder in an effort to extend the duration of his career and get him to the MLB sooner.
5 Not Universally Loved Around The MLB
As Harper is spoken of highly by his friends, family, and teammates, the same can't always be said around the MLB. His fiery style of playing the game and willingness to speak his mind to umpires has gotten him into the bad books of some around the league.
4 Net Worth Around $70 Million
After signing his $330 million, 13-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, his net worth is currently sitting around $70 million. That works out to $63, 000 per at-bat. Pretty impressive for being just 27-years-old and only having eight MLB seasons under his belt.
3 He's A Gym Rat
Natural ability in a sport is one thing, but pairing that with a good strength and conditioning program is usually the key to becoming great. Harper doesn't take this notion lightly as he is in the gym trying to get better almost daily; even while in quarantine (pictured above).
2 His Older Brother Bryan Was Also A Highly Touted Prospect
The older of the Harper brothers, Bryan, now a former MLB pitcher, spent eight seasons himself as a pitcher in the Nationals organization. Unlike Bryce, Bryan went out east to school at the University of South Carolina where he worked on his craft.
1 Spokesperson For Blind Barber Hair And Beard Products
It's difficult not to notice Harper's luscious, flowing locks on his head and face. His grooming habits ultimately lead to him becoming the spokesperson for Blind Barber. Naturally, Bryce has since come out with his own signature series of Blind Barber products.
Sources: Philadelphia Inquiry, YouTube, ESPN.com
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