Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals thrilled a hometown crowd when he won the All-Star Home Run Derby Monday night, defeating Kyle Schwarber of the Chicago Cubs in final round.
“We have some of the best fans in all of baseball, and to be able to that with my family out there, that’s an incredible moment, not only for me but for the organization and the Nationals fans,” Harper said, according to the Associated Press.
Bryce Harper calls game. pic.twitter.com/AqUcs0LHxV
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 17, 2018
Harper, who hit 19 home runs to beat out Schwarber’s 18 in the final round, had coordinated for his father Ron to pitch to him. He hit 45 home runs total, which because of a promotional offer from the Nationals reducing the ticket price of some seats by $1 per homer, resulted in what will be some significantly reduced prices for fans.
brb … apologizing to our finance department https://t.co/oljm8UBESf
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 17, 2018
Harper said before the event that his father “worked his tail off every single day to provide for me and my family,” noting that “now being able to have him throw to me in a big league ballpark is the cherry on top.”
“He did great. So I’m really proud of him,” Ron Harper said. “He’s a great kid. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
All of Bryce Harper’s homers tonight… Wow, what a great finish! @Nationals @mlb pic.twitter.com/tWnsC7jDQl
— Daren Willman (@darenw) July 17, 2018
The Home Run Derby is an annual contest held the night prior to the MLB’s All-Star Game. The derby was held at Nationals Park in Washington.
