Harper's debut a taste of what's to come

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Bryce Harper touched home plate, turned and waited for his buddy behind him.

Rhys Hoskins had just smashed a two-run homer over the tiki bar in left field in the first inning of Saturday's eventual 8-7 loss to the Blue Jays at Spectrum Field. Phillies fans roared. Harper, who moments earlier walked in his first plate appearance in his highly anticipated debut since signing a 13-year, $330 million contract, took off his helmet and greeted Hoskins at home.

Harper leaned into Hoskins and spoke.

“Get used to that,” he said.

Hoskins laughed.

But seriously, Phillies fans might want to get used to that.

“Rhys hitting behind me, I'm excited about it,” Harper said.

Added Hoskins: “A cool moment. Hopefully the first of many.”

It was a fun Saturday in sunny Clearwater, just a taste of what might come later this month and possibly over the next 13 years in Philadelphia. A sellout crowd of 10,276 stood and cheered when Eagles legend Brian Dawkins addressed the crowd before player introductions. The Phanatic wore a wig and a headband, his homage to the Phillies’ well-coifed superstar. Harper pointed to the Phanatic and smiled.

A Spring Training game in Clearwater had not buzzed like this since Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt formed one of the greatest rotations in baseball history in 2011.

“It was awesome,” Harper said. “It was funny because I got up there and [a teammate] goes, 'Weren't those people just booing you a few years back?' It was great, the ovation they gave me. Very humbling, very blessed to be able to go out there and play in front of a fanbase like that. I can't thank them enough for coming out and supporting us and selling out a Spring Training game. Just shows how great of a fanbase Philly is.”

“I think it’s just a taste of what’s to come,” Hoskins said.

Harper, who served as the club's designated hitter and batted third in the lineup, had arrived to home plate in the bottom of the first inning. Fans gave him a standing ovation. They pulled out their phones to record the moment. His walkup music blared.

West Philadelphia, born and raised …

Harper wanted something fun for his Spring Training walkup music, so he chose “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme.

It will be something different once the real games start on March 28.

Harper walked again in his second plate appearance in the third inning. Former first-round pick Adam Haseley pinch-ran for him, ending Harper’s afternoon. Harper will play right field and get another two plate appearances on Monday against the Rays.

“I was able to see some pitches and take two swings early in the count,” Harper said. “Work and see some splits from [Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker], and some sliders as well. Good big league pitcher to be able to face in my first game as a Phillie. I'm excited to get back out there.”

Perhaps more notable than the walks, the Blue Jays moved third baseman Eric Sogard into the outfield for both of Harper’s plate appearances, giving Toronto four outfielders with three infielders positioned to the right of second base.

It could be a common sight in the future.

“Man, I hope not,” Harper said. “If they're going to start playing ball like that, it's definitely different for sure. I got back to the dugout and talked to Larry Bowa about that and said, 'Have you ever seen that, Larry?'”

“Nope,” Bowa replied.

It has been a week since Harper’s introductory news conference at Spectrum Field. He got four plate appearances in a simulated game on Wednesday, homering once. He tallied 12 plate appearances in a simulated game on Thursday, homering once.

In between, Harper has gotten used to his new surroundings, including his new uniform.

“Everyone said the pinstripes are slimming, so I'll take that,” Harper said.

But Harper has looked comfortable in the Phillies’ clubhouse, sitting and chatting with teammates over breakfast. He is finally back to baseball, which is great.

“A lot better than the week before that,” Harper said, describing his first week. “It's nice to be able to get back out here and be part of it and be part of a team and an organization and be out here again competing, playing the game that I love. Just looking forward to getting to know everyone on a personal level even more and just being part of something bigger than myself and everyone in this clubhouse. We're very excited to get going, very excited to be here. Hopefully go up north and be strong.”