Bryce Harper returns lost 7-year-old boy to family before facing Royals

Royals vs. Phillies Game Highlights (8/5/23) | MLB Highlights

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper came to the aid of a seven-year-old boy who had separated from his family before the game against the Kansas City Royals at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.

This incident occurred during the Phillies’ photo night promotion, where fans lined up along the edge of the field to meet and take pictures with Phillies players. NBC Sports Philadelphia reporter Taryn Hatcher captured footage of Harper comforting the distraught boy.

Hatcher confirmed that the boy, named Caleb, was eventually reunited with his brothers and grandmother, Diane, with whom Harper took a selfie. Harper’s kind actions garnered widespread acclaim on social media.

“If I didn’t already have two Harper jerseys, this would make me want to get another one,” one fan said on Twitter. “Such a good dude.”

Harper is a father himself, having a son named Krew Aron, 3, and a daughter named Brooklyn Elizabeth, 2, whom he shares with his wife, Kayla Harper.

Phillies vs. Royals

Afterward, Harper contributed to the Phillies’ 9-6 victory over the Royals, contributing a single, a double and a home run.

Teammate Trea Turner claimed a double, a home run, and four RBIs. Alec Bohm also contributed with a home run for the Phillies. Freddy Fermin hit two home runs for the Royals, but their seven-game winning streak was halted.

Harper’s two-run drive to left-center was met with cheers by Phillies fans, as it brought the team within 6-5 in the fifth inning. This was his sixth homer of the season, but his power numbers have been lower since his return from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on May 2.

Harper started his MLB career 11 years ago with the Washington Nationals. He later signed a 13-year, $330 million deal in 2019 with the Phillies.

On Sunday, he told The Philadelphia Inquirer that he wished he had started his career in Philadelphia. He also expressed his desire to stay in Philadelphia due to the fan base.