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Bryce Harper commits to Home Run Derby in front of home fans in Philadelphia Apparently Bryce Harper found somebody to pitch to him.
Harper will participate in the July 13 Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, once again entering the field when his hometown team hosts the bash.
It will be his first appearance since 2018, when he won the Derby in dramatic fashion at Washington's Nationals Park.
That was his last hurrah in D.C., as he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies the next winter, and quickly became a focal point of Philly sports, eventually helping the Phillies to the 2022 World Series.
Now 33 and a two-time National League MVP, Harper said he would consider participating in the Derby at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park if he was named to the team.
He also expressed concern that his father Ron, who pitched to him at the 2018 Derby, would be physically unable to pitch.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred made sure Harper was there, naming him as a "legend" pick to the game - though to be sure, Harper's first half statistics were sufficient, anyway.
Now, a few days later, Harper posted on Instagram that he'd join the fray.
He joins Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero, Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, Kansas City Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone and Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras in committing to the Derby.
Three more slots remain.
One slot would be perfect for Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.
He lost by the narrowest of margins to Harper in 2018.
A rematch as Philly teammates before their home crowd would be a must-see event.