Bryce Harper thanks parents in emotional MVP speech

The annual BBWAA Awards dinner had to be canceled on Saturday night after Winter Storm Jonas effectively shut down New York City and the surrounding areas. However, the show did go on in a scaled down private ceremony, where all of the winners in attendance were presented their respecitve awards.

Among those who made the show was Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. We’re awfully glad he did, too, because Harper stole the night, delivering a highly emotional speech while accepting his first National League MVP award.

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In it, Harper made a special effort to thank his parents, Ron and Sheri, for the sacrifices they made and the support they offered as he developed his skills and chased his dreams. Both were in attendance to share the moment with their son, and every time Harper mentioned them, the emotions would become almost overwhelming.

(MLB) From the Washington Post:

Yet at every mention of his family, Harper choked up, at times stopping to collect himself and wipe his eyes, especially when talking about his father, Ron, who taught him how to play baseball and he considers a best friend.

“My pops sacrificed everything to help me fulfill my dream,” Harper said, standing before the microphone in, fittingly, a custom blue suit and red bow tie. “Countless hours of BP [batting practice]. Groundballs. … The thing I loved the most, on the hot summer days, that we’d always get Slurpees and have fun. No matter what. That or our strawberry shakes. He always made it fun no matter what. If he could get up at three a.m. in the blazing heat or freezing cold, then I would give anything in this world to thank him every single day and tell him how much I love him. I appreciate you Pops.”

While his father worked overtime to help young Bryce develop those baseball skills, his mother played a vital role in laying the foundation for the person Harper is and hopes to be.

“You showed me to have heart and how to care and be the best person I could off the field,” Harper said. “She keeps the family going and strong and always reiterates, ‘Remember who you are every single time you walk out the door.’ She sacrificed so much.”

It’s easy to forget sometimes that Harper only recently turned 23. He’s squeezed a lot of life and a lot of baseball into those 23 years, and dealt with more expectations and pressure than some will in a lifetime. Watching Harper standing there, wearing his emotions on his sleeve and taking in that moment, was both gratifying and heartwarming.

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In his age-22 season, Harper put it all together, playing with an unrivaled determination while producing at an elite level. It’s what everyone expected from him, even as he debuted in the big leagues at age 19, but the difference appeared to be a heightened level of focus and a maturity that comes with age and experience. Fortunately for Bryce Harper, he had a strong and dedicated family that helped supply those immeasurable tools.

By the way, you can watch Harper’s speech in its entirely Friday, Jan. 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET on MLB Network.

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