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How Two New Jersey Boys’ Heartwarming Gesture Altered The Fates Of Bryce Harper And Philadelphia Phillies In 2023 Postseason

Published 10/19/2023, 10:30 AM EDT

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The Philadelphia Phillies seem almost indestructible. After a trip to the Fall Classic 2022, the regular season 2023 was relatively mild. Although fans hoped for a repeat performance, and maybe even a victory this time, the future was up in the air. Then September came and suddenly the City of Brotherly Love was on fire. With Bryce Harper at the helm, the team made it to October for the second year in a row. Now, they can’t stop, won’t stop.

It’s almost impossible to believe that Philly’s star slugger had an elbow ligament reconstruction surgery just last November. Tommy John takes an average of 9-10 months of recovery; Bryce Harper did it in 5 and a half. Hailed as the city’s new hero, the DH has cemented his reputation as an inspiration for young kids. Now, they’re paying him back.

Bryce Harper’s Special Good Luck Charm From Young Fans

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Before 2022, the last time that Philadelphia made it to playoffs was in 2011. Their last World Series victory was in 2008, although they reappeared in 2009. But after acquiring Bryce Harper from the Washington Nationals, their fortunes changed. Idolized by the young and old alike, the slugger is a huge favorite, especially when it comes to the Anderson household.

Jayce and Wyatt, two brothers from New Jersey, wanted to do something special for their favorite baseball player this year. Deciding to go back to the classics, the boys made a red, white, blue, and green rubber band bracelet in the team colors. Athletes receive a number of gifts but fans don’t always expect them to use them publicly. But as the 7x All-Star has proved before, he’s different than the rest.

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The Anderson brothers sent the gift in September and the family noticed Bryce Harper wearing the band on his right wrist in a series against the New York Mets later that month. The postseason continued the trend, when the slugger hit two home runs in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Braves. Game 4 photographs and videos also show Harper wearing the bracelet, especially during the iconic Orlando Arcia staredown moment.

In addition to the wristlet, Jace and Wyatt also sent their own autographed baseball cards and a letter of good luck. It seems like their wish for the Phillies may come true this season!

Philadelphia Phillies Postseason May End Well

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Good teams make it to October but only the best survive it. As the Phillies keep proving, they’re determined to keep the win streak going. After a rather disastrous end to Game 1 of the NLDS, when Harper made a baserunning error, he has been adamant about getting back into the city’s good graces. Home run after home run and consistent winning has ensured that.

READ MORE – Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos Boldly Use Braves Legend Coach Prime as Lucky Charm With Phillies’ Stars Dominating Crucial NLDS Game

“He’s the best player ever,” Jayce Anderson told CBS News Philadelphia, “and I hope they win the World Series with him.” The NLCS has seen Philly undefeated against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The two teams return for a match-up on October 19th, looking to steal the championship crown.

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WATCH THIS STORY – Bryce Harper’s Miraculous Comeback Season Shocks Fans As Phillies Clinch Playoffs

At the rate the Philadelphia Phillies and Bryce Harper are going, they may very well make it come true.

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

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Arunima Bhanot is a senior MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Her tryst with MLB was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of a pursuit of excellence. Having penned over 1,000 articles, Arunima has also covered the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2023 All-Star Game.
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