Phillies star Bryce Harper gets emotional after leaving newborn son for MLB playoffs

Jackie Longo

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Phillies star Bryce Harper gets emotional after leaving newborn son for MLB playoffs image

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper got emotional this week when discussing how hard it was to leave for the MLB playoffs, just days after his wife gave birth to their fourth child. 

Duty called, but that didn't stop the first baseman and outfielder from from struggling with the separation as he left his family to rejoin his team. 

The eight-time All Star's wife, Kayla Harper, announced the birth of the couple's son, Hayes Three Harper, on Instagram on October 5, captioning the post, "Decided to add more chaos to Red October."

The couple, married since 2016, share three other children: Krew, 6, Brooklyn, 4, and Kamryn, 1. 

"I love the game of baseball, but at the end of the day, my family means the most to me. I definitely miss him right now." -Bryce Harper

MORE: Phillies' Bryce Harper opens up about major distraction amid Dodgers NLDS series struggles 

Bryce Harper reflects on family over baseball after birth of son

During a press conference earlier this week, the 32-year-old Philllies star teared up while talking about his wife and children.

"Being able to hold your son for the first time," he said. "It's one of the greatest moments in my life. I absolutely love my family. I love my kids. I love the game of baseball, but at the end of the day, my family means the most to me. I definitely miss him right now."

Luckily for the $330 million franchise centerpiece, his emotions didn't have an affect on the game's final outcome, as his team had an 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, keeping the National League Division Series alive. 

Both teams will face off again on Thursday, with the Dodgers currently holding a 2-1 lead. 

Earlier this week, Bryce addressed the loud boos he and his teammates have received from frustrated Phillies fans during the series.

"I love our fans. I boo myself when I get out," Harper said. "We've got some of the best fans in baseball and they make me play better, so I enjoy it."

He continued, "They show up for us everyday. They spend their hard-earned dollar to come watch us play. They expect greatness out of us and I expect greatness out of myself and my teammates as well." 

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Jackie Longo

Jackie is a freelance writer and editor with The Sporting News. She has covered sports, entertainment and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a number of outlets including Business Insider, The Sun, Travel+Leisure and Heavy. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from West Virginia University and resides in Charlotte, NC.