Book Response on Phenom

     Phenom, The Making of Bryce Harper by Bob Miech is about Bryce Harper, a major league baseball player and his college career. Bryce went to the College of Southern Nevada and played baseball there. He played with a certain type of swagger there and often got himself into trouble by “playing too hard.” He sometimes did things that were uncalled for but they were mostly because he was only 17 and still learning. I think Bryce Harper made mistakes because he cares so much and they weren’t made with bad intentions.

      For Example, at one point he is playing a game and fouls of a pitch he believes he should have hit a homerun on. He is very upset after the at bat. Miech describes it as “a wonder his helmet didn’t shatter into a hundred pieces after he threw it to the dugout floor with such ferocity.” At first it just sounds like Bryce lost his temper but then he says, “That was thirteen!” That refers to the CSN record of single season homeruns that Bryce would’ve broken. It just goes to show how bad he wants to succeed and he isn’t just a crazy player with a terrible temper. Also, he has some unbelievable hustle plays that show his passion and love for the game. On page 139 he runs into a wood shed and then falls to the concrete after chasing a foul ball full speed right into the wall. Even knowing he will be the number 1 pick he cares so much that he sacrificed his whole major league career for one small fly ball.

     This idea of caring so much you make stupid decisions made me think of how people are too quick to judge. Many people you talk to would say Harper was either cocky or has a terrible temper and is just young and inexperienced. First of all, in order to be a successful athlete you have to believe in yourself and know you are good. Also, he may be a kid who loses his temper at points but it’s only because of how bad he wants it. He wants to win more than anything. That is the definition of a scrappy player and most people cant realize that and just look past his passion. I feel like this is unfair and people should reconsider that idea.