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“Always a Dream…”: Bryce Harper Reveals 2028 Team USA Ambition as Epic Phillies NLCS Run Brings World Series One Step Closer

Published 10/18/2023, 1:35 PM EDT

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Bryce Harper is on fire this season. The team’s Designated Hitter has been playing his best since coming back from a TJ surgery, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to the NLCS. While the team is on track to achieve their World Series dream this year, the 31-year-old outfielder has expressed different desires. Though the aspiration differs from what they are currently chasing, it shows the player’s patriotism to the fullest. He has set his eyes on a glorious baseball event in 2028 and wants to fulfill his “dream” to represent his country if possible.

The event in question is the Olympics. Baseball has not been on the game list for long. Even the 2012 and 2016 Olympics didn’t have it. In 2021, it was played on a trial basis. However, it will not officially return at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Though it may not include the older players, Harper still hopes to play for Team USA.

Bryce Harper’s patriotic aspirations flourish amidst the NLCS run

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The NLC journey of the Phillies started with a great bang. In the seven-game-series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phillies have been progressing with a 2-0 lead. Though there’s still a long way to go, with Harper and other potent players on the team, the fans are hoping for the World Series this season. While the postseason is ongoing, Harper talked about his Olympic aspirations during a candid interview. The player openly stated it was his dream, “But it’s always a dream.”

However, by the 2028 Olympics comes around, the 31-year-old slugger will have passed the age of 35, which reduces his chance of being on the team. Even the player himself is aware of this fact. Per him, “I will be old at that point, so I don’t know if they’re going to want me to be on the team.” But from Harper’s point of view, representing one’s country is a real achievement. He expressed, “You talk about growing the game, and that’s the way you grow it at the highest peak.”

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Taking his patriotic thoughts to another height, the star outfielder said,  “I don’t know if they’ll ever go for it, but I would love to put USA on my chest and represent it at the highest level.” With these statements, Harper has won the hearts of MLB enthusiasts, irrespective of the team they support.

However, his current NLCS journey is going pretty well. The Phillies ended their Game 2 with 10-0.

The Phillies dominated the Diamondbacks in Game 2

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Game 2 was completely in the Phillies’ favor, and the major credit goes to Kyle Schwarber. His homers set the way for the team to get a lead and enjoy the final smile. Schwarber hit two homers during Game 2, with J. T. Realmuto properly assisting him with two hits and three RBI. While this had already sent the Diamondbacks to the back foot, Aaron Nola wrapped the team up with his three-hit balls and seven strikeouts in six innings.

Though the upcoming fights will be more difficult as they will be played in Arizona, the 2-0 lead hopes to have motivated both teams. For the Phillies, it will inspire them to play well to win the World Series, and for the Diamondbacks, it will motivate them to make a potent comeback.

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Whether Bryce Harper becomes part of the 2028 Olympic team or not is uncertain. But his words have definitely struck a chord with the fans.

Watch the Story: Bryce Harper’s Miraculous Comeback Season Shocks Fans As Phillies Clinch Playoffs

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Written by:

Antara Bhattacharyya

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Antara Bhattacharyya is an MLB Writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed her Master's Degree in English Literature, she is passionate about writing. Sports being one of her core interests, she indulged in American Sports, particularly Baseball.
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Edited by:

Stefan Thomas