A Braves fan’s letter to Bryce Harper

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Dear Bryce Harper,

Bryce, there are only so many opportunities in your baseball career where you’ll get to hand-pick where you want to play. Since you joined the league in 2012, you’ve done nothing but impress and become one of the game’s brightest superstars. While your Silver Slugger, Rookie of the Year, MVP, and 6 All-Star appearances are impressive, I think we can both agree that you’re still missing one thing – a World Series title.

There’ve surely been some promising years with the Nationals organization, no doubt; however, there may not be a baseball city with a brighter future than Atlanta. If you watched Game 3 of the Dodgers, Braves NLDS this past week, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

It’s been a long time coming, but the Braves rebuild has finally taken shape. With Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Mike Foltynewicz, Sean Newcomb, Johan Camargo, Dansby Swanson, and Ender Inciarte; Atlanta, once again, has a core group of young talent that will compete for championships for years to come. Not to mention, this is just the first wave of guys.

Of course, we’ve all heard about your friendship with Freddie Freeman over the past few weeks. While he’s a super-talented hitter in his own right, he definitely needs another power bat in the lineup to help this team beat overly-wealthy organizations like the Dodgers in the postseason.

Did you hear the SunTrust Park crowd when Acuña hit that grand-slam in Game 3 of the NLDS? That could be you, my friend.

I’m sure the “tomahawk chop” has been something of an annoyance in years past, but there’s nothing better to hear when you’re sporting the “A” on your cap. Our fans absolutely LOVE baseball. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another group who’ll support you as we will. When Acuña was hit by the Marlins this year, ultimately knocking him out of the game, I can promise you every Atlanta baseball fan was on that field brawling with Miami in their hearts.

I’ll admit it – we can’t offer you the same amount of money that the Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers can. I understand that part of the game and respect your decision, but I don’t want you to become one of the many players who enter those organizations and disappear. Bryce, you’re a special baseball player and we want you here in Atlanta – I can promise you we’ll treat you as such.

You won’t just be another talented player we sign to a large contract. Along with Acuña and Freeman, you’ll be the face of this organization.

At the end of the day, I think we both know something special is about to happen in Atlanta. We’re not the robotic rich organizations who toss players to the side if they don’t win a title. Our squad is full of young and talented players who like to have fun. I won’t say you’ll have the time of your life in Atlanta… actually, you will absolutely have the time of your life in Atlanta. These group of guys is awesome.

I understand if you decide to take your talents elsewhere, but I’m going to stand firm on my argument that Atlanta is the perfect place for you. Looking forward to seeing you play right-field when the Braves open up their 2019 regular season schedule.

Sincerely,

An optimistic Braves fan

Acuña Matata Cool-Dri T-Shirt

 

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