Rollins, Howard recall their change of heart about then-rookie Harper
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Every rookie has one.
It’s that “welcome to the big leagues” moment.
On the latest episode of the 6-1-1 Podcast, hosted by Phillies legends Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, we’re transported back to Bryce Harper’s, which took place in Harper’s eighth career MLB game on May 6, 2012.
“We didn’t like this kid, let’s be honest,” Rollins said of Harper, now a Phillies icon after spending the first seven seasons of his illustrious career with the Nationals.
“And Cole [Hamels] … went around the clubhouse and said, ‘I’m drilling him in his first at-bat.’ And what did he do? He drilled him.”
Howard followed with the five words that sum up the moment: “Welcome to the big leagues.”
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But Rollins, Howard and teammate Chase Utley, who was a guest on this edition of the podcast, quickly learned that there was much more to Harper than they thought.
With all three playing in the infield -- Howard at first base, Utley at second and Rollins at shortstop -- Harper advanced to third on a Jayson Werth single and eventually stole home, instantly earning the trio’s respect.
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“Bryce showed his heart,” Rollins said.
“That’s like Cole saying, ‘Welcome to the big leagues,’ and Bryce saying, ‘Thank you. I got you, respectfully,’” said Howard.
The three former Phillies discussed how Harper has shown his heart since signing with Philadelphia as well, earning the city’s respect and adoration.
“The city has embraced him,” Rollins said, “the way, literally, they embraced us.”
The new podcast, named “The 6-1-1 Podcast” in honor of the uniform numbers Howard (6) and Rollins (11) wore during their years playing together for the Phillies, will post new episodes every two weeks, with current and former greats sharing never-before-told stories and behind-the-scenes insight.
Don’t miss the Harper story, as well as much more with Utley, on the latest episode, and be sure to catch this and future episodes on MLB.com, MLB.TV, all podcast platforms and YouTube.