The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in a position few expected—down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. This is the first time in years that the Phillies are on the verge of being eliminated this early in the postseason. Monday’s game was rough enough that fans at Citizens Bank Park were openly booing.
“Loudly booed most of the night by their sellout crowd of 45,653 at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies staged a frenzied ninth-inning rally, only to be beaten by the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-3, going down 2-0 in the best-of-five series,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
The Phillies' top hitters have gone cold, and Bryce Harper, the team’s biggest star, has had a disappointing postseason so far. He knows the team needs him to step up.
“I had a couple of opportunities myself and didn't get it done," Harper said. "Just got to be better."
Adding another emotional layer to Harper’s performance: he became a father again less than a week ago, just two days before Game 1 of the NLDS. During Tuesday’s press conference, he may have unintentionally hinted that being away from his newborn son is weighing on him.
“It’s an incredible thing. Being able to hold your son for the first time is something that, it's one of the greatest moments of my life. I love my family. I love my kids. I love baseball. But at the end of the day my family means the most to me. I definitely miss them right now,” Harper said.
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Though Harper is known for being one of the most composed players in the game, he couldn’t hold back his emotions when speaking about his son. It's clear that fatherhood is at the front of his mind—and that being away, whether in Los Angeles or even at home in Philadelphia, is taking a toll.
The Phillies are now fighting to salvage their season. And while Harper is hoping to turn things around, it's evident that his heart is still with his baby boy.