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Bryce Harper had tremendous hype as he was becoming a teenage baseball phenom. As a high schooler, many picked him to be the next rising star in the big leagues and he has taken that in stride.
Harper's success is largely thanks to his work ethic and approach to the game. Unlike many other hitters in the game, Harper is not a big fan of watching videos of himself or opposing pitchers.
Ahead of the 2016 season, John Smoltz and Heidi Watney visited the Washington Nationals clubhouse to sit down with the young slugger. Harper gives a little more insight into why he is not obsessed with film.
"I saw this thing in Derek Jeter's book. It said guys really lose the feel of their game because of the video, because of everything, and I really took that to heart," Harper said.
Harper reveals that Derek Jeter was an inspiration to why he does not watch much film. Jeter was also somebody who did not rely on video, instead relying on his ability as an elite athlete.
"You know, just play the game as you were when you were growing up and don't worry about what the guy is going to throw and how he is going to do it and just go up to the plate [and] clear your head as much as you can," Harper said.
While the game has changed drastically, Harper feels he is at his best when he goes out there and just plays. As an eight-time All-Star, it seems to be working out just fine for him.
Bryce Harper speaks on falling short while in Washington
Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals had an exciting roster. Back in 2016, they had a young Trea Turner followed by a young and healthy Anthony Rendon. The pitching staff was no joke either, with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
However, the Nats could not get the job done.
"Sometimes the ball doesn't roll your way. You know, we have matched up against some great teams and we've played some great games and sometimes you lose ball games," Harper said.
Unfortunately, Harper would become a free agent following the 2018 season. In 2019, Washington won their first and only World Series title.
