BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Bryce Harper leaves high school early, and it makes sense

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Bryce Harper leaves high school early, and it makes sense

A buddy of mine did this in high school…but that was only after he caved-in the vice-principal’s head with a suddenly free Master Lock.

It’s a shocking headline at first. But the most surprising part of Bryce Harper’s (or his dad’s) decision is that it makes total sense.

Harper, the Las Vegas high school catcher who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, will forgo his final two years of high school, get his GED and play community college baseball next year at the College of Southern Nevada. His father, Ron, made the announcement Saturday at a tournament in Oklahoma City.

“Bryce is always looking for his next challenge,” Ron Harper told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “He’s going to pursue his education, too. He’s going to get pushed academically and athletically. I don’t see a problem with it. I think we’ve handled it the right way. I think it will be a great story.”

Harper will turn 17 on Oct. 16, and by finishing high school he will be eligible for the 2010 draft, where he is expected to be the No. 1 pick and command a multimillion-dollar signing bonus. (His dad says the family isn’t sure if Bryce will enter the draft in 2010 or ‘11. Take a guess which way that’ll come out.)

Repoz Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:35 AM | 174 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: amateur, announcements, high school, special topics

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1. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:57 AM (#3219429)

Cool. It sounds smart.

2. Rich Rifkin Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:59 AM (#3219430)

Sean O'Hair's father says, "Hi."

3. Lazzeri Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:04 AM (#3219433)

God, I hate hype. I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

4. The Artist Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:06 AM (#3219435)

Deal. Thanks Lazzeri!

5. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:08 AM (#3219436)

I'll take some of that. Free money is good.

6. JoeHova Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:08 AM (#3219438)

I wonder if this will work out. It will be interesting to follow either way.

7. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:10 AM (#3219439)

So he's looking to be pushed academically by going to a Nevada community college?

I'm looking to be pushed athletically by playing one-on-one basketball against Peter Dinklage.

8. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:14 AM (#3219440)

Apparently, his older brother is transferring from Cal State Northridge to the same community college.

9. RJ in TO Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:16 AM (#3219442)

God, I hate hype. I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

Thread bookmarked for future reference.

10. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:20 AM (#3219443)

If he's the #1 pick he'll probably make it to the major leagues, at least for a cup of coffee.

11. akrasian Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:23 AM (#3219447)

Since there's no cost - I'll post in this thread for a piece of Lazzeri's action.

But I agree with Larry, barring a career ending injury he'll make the majors. Probably won't be a star, though.

12. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:26 AM (#3219449)

11. akrasian Posted: June 14, 2009 at 10:23 PM (#3219447)
Since there's no cost - I'll post in this thread for a piece of Lazzeri's action.

But I agree with Larry, barring a career ending injury he'll make the majors. Probably won't be a star, though.

But he'll be sold as better than Matt Wieters by Scott Boras.

13. nick swisher hygiene Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:28 AM (#3219450)

speaking of hype, did you see Sports Illustrated cover story, talking up his 570-foot home run?

14. JRVJ (formerly Delta Socrates) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:40 AM (#3219457)

Whenever I read the letters GED, I think of Chris Rock.

15. Obama Bomaye Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:44 AM (#3219459)

me would like $ too

16. How to lose a guy in jemile weeks Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:44 AM (#3219460)

speaking of hype, did you see Sports Illustrated cover story, talking up his 570-foot home run?

Oh yeah, that was great. The best part was the article in the VERY NEXT WEEK talking about the failures of the many number one pitchers in the draft. Sure, the kid's baseball's LeBron, but don't forget how easy it is to fail tremendously. The best was when they compared getting Strasburg and Harper to Dwight Howard and LeBron James in consecutive drafts.

17. Dr Love Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:51 AM (#3219464)

Larry's right, if he's #1 he'll make it. Only three #1 picks have never made it: Steve Chilcott, Brien Taylor and Matt Bush. So I'll take that bet too.

18. Darren

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:52 AM (#3219466)

I especially like that we're being promised "$2000 bucks," or to rephrase: 2,000 dollar-bucks. That's awesome.

19. TerpNats Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:55 AM (#3219470)

Strasburg and Harper -- Ford and Berra for a new generation.

(After nearly two-thirds of a century without experiencing a September pennant race, we in Washington have every right to dream.)

20. rLr Is King Of The Romans And Above Grammar Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:57 AM (#3219474)

I especially like that we're being promised "$2000 bucks," or to rephrase: 2,000 dollar-bucks. That's awesome.

Must be a deer hunter.

21. J. Michael Neal Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:59 AM (#3219478)

Strasburg and Harper -- Ford and Berra for a new generation.

I didn't realize just how bad that Nats are. They've got a ten game lead on the first pick.

22. Spivey Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:59 AM (#3219481)

God, I hate hype. I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

I hate when people write checks with their mouth that their ass can't cash.

23. PreservedFish Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:03 AM (#3219487)

Strasburg and Harper = Gooden and Strawberry

24. Big Train Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:07 AM (#3219490)

I mean, the kid hasn't even had time to get his name out there, and there is already backlash. the backlash cycle is nearly instantanious now.

25. Jim Wisinski

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:08 AM (#3219491)

The kid better play that year of college ball while encased in a plastic bubble. This will all come crashing down on him if he tears up his wrist or something.

26. PreservedFish Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:12 AM (#3219494)

#25 - Declaring and signing his bonus ASAP would seem to be the best possible way to cash in on his talent and minimize the chance that disaster strikes

27. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:19 AM (#3219505)

Free money for me, thanks

28. Jeff K. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:26 AM (#3219513)

I mean, the kid hasn't even had time to get his name out there, and there is already backlash. the backlash cycle is nearly instantanious now.

I see there was at least one SI article about him, and this is the second article/thread I've read about him in the last week, that's hardly no time to "get his name out", and besides he's 16 ####### years old. If there was an article about an 8 year-old declaring for the NBA draft and he talked smack and his parents were hyping him and moving the family to LA because that'd be the one time the Clippers get the #1 ping pong ball, you'd see instantaneous backlash.

"The Backlash Cycle" would be an excellent name for a talk show hosted by our favorite Alabama hillbilly attorney and mock trial coach, though.

29. Jeff K. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:29 AM (#3219516)

26 - I imagine someone would give them a line of credit based on it right now. Depending on the spread...

30. Brandon in MO (Yunitility Infielder) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:29 AM (#3219517)

yeah.. like this guy isn't going to be in the middle of a few unnecessarily rough collisions at the plate

31. Eric in Madison Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:36 AM (#3219522)

Well, he's the same age as Miguel Sano, who's about to get over $4 million (give or take for the kickback), right? I haven't seen you all get pissy about him.

I'm not entirely sure this is the wisest course for him, but if he has the talent...

32. BarrettsHiddenBall Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:49 AM (#3219528)

i would like money thank you

33. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:52 AM (#3219530)

I am posting again because I'm hoping to get more money.

34. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:57 AM (#3219533)

Sano isn't likely to leave his DR academy until he's older though. And you know the DR, Sano might be 30 already.

35. Jeff K. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:00 AM (#3219536)

Just to note that it's entirely arguable and believable that "each of you" meant the two posters above him.

36. tomdaddydollars Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:05 AM (#3219538)

This is just proof for all the people who criticize teams for exploiting Latin American players by signing them as young as 16 that many American high school players would do the same thing if given the opportunity.

37. Raskolnikov Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:05 AM (#3219539)

Hmm.. SI covers .. I'm thinking of Felipe Lopez and that Jewish kid who was going to be the Jewish Jordan.

38. dirk

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:06 AM (#3219542)

if lazzeri gets shy about his initial offer i'll put $200 against his $2000 on that.

39. rLr Is King Of The Romans And Above Grammar Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:11 AM (#3219545)

I'm thinking of Felipe Lopez and that Jewish kid who was going to be the Jewish Jordan.

Tamir Goodman. I think he ended up playing at Towson.

40. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:12 AM (#3219546)

Just to note that it's entirely arguable and believable that "each of you" meant the two posters above him.

You now owe everyone in this thread $2000 (or rather 2000 dollar-bucks) because you've given this guy an out which we all could have disputed in four years. But not now. Jerk.

41. tshipman

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:12 AM (#3219548)

if lazzeri gets shy about his initial offer i'll put $200 against his $2000 on that.

I'll put up $200.00 of Dirk's money as well for the free 2k.

42. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:14 AM (#3219549)

Our society likes to complain that sports are making a joke of the university setting, but then wants to moralize these kids who go pro. He is already spending most of his time touring for baseball as it is, he may as well get paid to do it, and cash in before a possible career ending injury.

43. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:18 AM (#3219550)

Hey, I'm one of the two. Wooooooooooooooooooo, free money still to me!

44. dirk

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:41 AM (#3219559)

I'll put up $200.00 of Dirk's money as well for the free 2k.

is that even legal?

45. Barnaby Jones Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:46 AM (#3219562)

Money yes me give to it also.

46. Tom Nawrocki Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:51 AM (#3219567)

Hmm.. SI covers .. I'm thinking of Felipe Lopez and that Jewish kid who was going to be the Jewish Jordan.

At least Felipe Lopez ended up having a pretty decent pro career, although it was the wrong Felipe Lopez.

47. Hello Rusty Kuntz, Goodbye Rusty Cars Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:59 AM (#3219570)

I also like dollar bucks. Make my check payable to whatever my screen name is.

This is my lucky day. I won $200 bucks on tonight's basketball game.

48. dirk

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:16 AM (#3219573)

You now owe everyone in this thread $2000 (or rather 2000 dollar-bucks) because you've given this guy an out which we all could have disputed in four years. But not now. Jerk.

he only owes me $1800

49. GEB4000 Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:22 AM (#3219576)

I'm in. As an A's fan, I have two words for you: Van Poppel.

50. Flynn Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:35 AM (#3219578)

I heard there was money a-flowin' here.

51. The Well-Tempered Javier Vasquez (loungehead) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:55 AM (#3219580)

Are latecomers entitled to the cash as well?

Oh well. With my luck they'll just be Tricky Dick Fun Bucks anyway.

52. Shredder Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:59 AM (#3219581)

I would prefer payment in small, unmarked bills.

53. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 06:06 AM (#3219583)

I wish the Nats would start winning some games so the Dbacks get the 1st overall pick in 2010

54. DFA Posted: June 15, 2009 at 06:10 AM (#3219587)

God, I hate hype. I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

Don't give me no monopoly money, I only want the real mccoy.

FWIW, I also hate the hype. But I like money more than I hate hype.

55. I Left Tim Raines Down In Africa Posted: June 15, 2009 at 06:14 AM (#3219589)

Just think, by the time we get around to payment, Obama's face might be on the $2000 bill. That'll be a nice collector's item.

(And, hey, if he goes to the Nationals, they're almost HAVE to going to call him up in order to avoid a riot in Washington. Count me in on the free scratch.)

56. Rich Rifkin Posted: June 15, 2009 at 07:22 AM (#3219596)

that Jewish kid who was going to be the Jewish Jordan.

Tamir Goodman. He plays for Haifa in the Israeli pro league. After leading his original team to six championships, he retired from pro basketball for a few years to play pro baseball. Unfortunately, that did not work out, so now he has resumed his pro basketball career. The Jewish Jordan hopes some day to become a basketball front office executive. He is currently scouting for the Jewish Kwame Brown.

57. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: June 15, 2009 at 08:06 AM (#3219599)

I hate when people write checks with their mouth that their ass can't cash.

I'll bet that I could write a neater check with my mouth than with my ass.

But I won't bet $2000 bucks on it. My colon might pucker in the clutch, and make the 2 look like an 8.

58. Rafael Bellylard: Built like a Molina Posted: June 15, 2009 at 09:52 AM (#3219601)

I like the money, too. A fairer question is over/under 50 homers in his major-league career.

That statement was not for betting purposes.

59. Flynn Posted: June 15, 2009 at 10:10 AM (#3219602)

He is currently scouting for the Jewish Kwame Brown.

Did he look in the mirror?

60. Jeff K. Posted: June 15, 2009 at 11:43 AM (#3219617)

he only owes me $1800

This is going to end in Harry Anderson-esque shortchanging, I can see it coming.

61. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 11:46 AM (#3219619)

I would also like some money.

Rich was joking about everything but the part about Goodman playing pro ball in Israel. I saw an interview with him not too long ago, and he seemed really happy, so good for him.

62. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 11:48 AM (#3219620)

Oh, and while I love money, I'd love it even more if the Pirates got a crack at drafting Harper next year (or in 2011, I guess).

With him being so young I wonder whether Boras will ask for a ML contract?

63. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 12:53 PM (#3219647)

With him being so young I wonder whether Boras will ask for a ML contract?

I doubt it, because we all know Boras is pretty reasonable with his contract requests.

64. BeanoCook Posted: June 15, 2009 at 12:57 PM (#3219650)

Didn't this kid look at the standings? He must be a Nationals fan. Or badly wants Steven Strasburg's autograph.

65. AROM Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:08 PM (#3219656)

I'll take Lazzeri's money too, especially since he didn't say anything about us giving him $2000 if he's right about Harper.

If the hype is all true, the Nats will be headed to the World Series soon. With Strasburg throwing to Harper, there is no need for any other fielder to even wear a glove since all outs will be strikeouts. (With a lessor catcher, you'd need a 1B since the catcher couldn't handle Strasburg's stuff). They'll be playing against the Wieter-led Orioles, and I would get to see them travel on I-95 from the edge of my neighborhood, but only if those superstars decide not to use their powers of flight.

66. The Yankee Clapper Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:48 PM (#3219699)

I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

That should qualify as a unilateral offer, but some creativity may be needed to come up with the detrimental reliance.

67. kthejoker Posted: June 15, 2009 at 01:56 PM (#3219707)

Maybe Lazzeri is Bryce Harper's agent using reverse psychology.

68. PreservedFish Posted: June 15, 2009 at 02:46 PM (#3219785)

I want my dollar bucks

69. Hurdle's Heroes (SuperBaes) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:11 PM (#3219829)

Since NBA kids get killed for this and the MLB draft hasn't been a nationally televised event until now, will this become more of an issue?

70. Crispix Attacks Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:16 PM (#3219841)

No way, the media doesn't care about subverstion of the glorious tradition of college baseball. College basketball on the other hand is big business, and how dare the players put in in jeopardy by trying to dodge their requisite period of unpaid serfdom?

71. The Good Face Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:19 PM (#3219848)

Posting to confirm my deep interest in cash dollar bucks.

72. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:25 PM (#3219857)

Would it be in Harper's best interest to start using wooden bats now to make the transition smoother to the pros? Or would that jeopardize his asking for a kajillion dollars next year?

And yes, I am interested in $2000 from Nigerian prince Lazzeri please.

73. flournoy Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:31 PM (#3219870)

I want money.

74. Craig in MN Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:33 PM (#3219872)

I'd take the dollar bucks as well, but the promise in question is pretty vague. If he "makes it to the major leagues"? It would be pretty easy to say that meant making it to multiple leagues is a prerequisite. And it isn't specific about which leagues he is talking about...AL/NL/Major League Soccer/Major League Lacrosse/etc? It does make me what percentage of players actually play in both leagues. I'd bet (but not $2000) that less than half of all players ever called up ever play in both the AL & NL.

75. RJ in TO Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:37 PM (#3219881)

I'd take the dollar bucks as well, but the promise in question is pretty vague. If he "makes it to the major leagues"? It would be pretty easy to say that meant making it to multiple leagues is a prerequisite. And it isn't specific about which leagues he is talking about...AL/NL/Major League Soccer/Major League Lacrosse/etc? It does make me what percentage of players actually play in both leagues. I'd bet (but not $2000) that less than half of all players ever called up ever play in both the AL & NL.

Please cram your lawyerly double-speak where the sun doesn't shine, and let the rest of us finish railing Lazzeri for a goodly amount of cash dollar bucks.

76. SoSH U at work Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:39 PM (#3219884)

After careful consideration, at this time I'm going to have to pass on the dollar bucks.

77. WillYoung Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:41 PM (#3219886)

I'm in.

78. Dingbat_Charlie

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:42 PM (#3219889)

79. PreservedFish Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:47 PM (#3219895)

After careful consideration, at this time I'm going to have to pass on the dollar bucks.

Boy are you going to look stupid.

80. RJ in TO Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:48 PM (#3219898)

After careful consideration, at this time I'm going to have to pass on the dollar bucks.

I bet you also fold when you're the big blind, don't you.

81. Eraser-X is emphatically dominating teh site!!! Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:51 PM (#3219901)

i do not want money.

82. deputydrew Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:51 PM (#3219902)

This is good news for my Strat-O-Matic team.

That's right, I have a 16 year old on my roster. (and we only get seven non-MLBers)

83. robinred

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:51 PM (#3219903)

What is Scott Boras' take on this?

84. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:53 PM (#3219904)

That's right, I have a 16 year old on my roster.

Something every grown man wants to say.

85. Randy Jones

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:53 PM (#3219906)

What is Scott Boras' take on this?

about 15%?

86. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:54 PM (#3219909)

"Would it be in Harper's best interest to start using wooden bats now to make the transition smoother to the pros? Or would that jeopardize his asking for a kajillion dollars next year?"

Split the difference. Work out with wood, play games with metal.

87. robinred

Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:56 PM (#3219914)

Work out with wood, play games with metal

.

Leave my sex life out of this, please.

88. GEB4000 Posted: June 15, 2009 at 03:58 PM (#3219917)

Of course $2k will probably be worth $20 by the time Lazzeri has to pay up.

89. bunyon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:05 PM (#3219928)

I'm not worried that this isn't wise. I mean, he's missing a couple of years of high school. That need not be detrimental to development. If he flames out, he can go to college if he's academically oriented or learn a skill. It isn't much of a risk, IMO.

One thing that always strikes me is that almost no one gets a full scholarship in college baseball. So going pro isn't the same risk that it would be for a basketball or football player. Even if you assume the bball or fball player takes academics seriously.

And I don't take checks.*

Harper should hedge his bet and post in this thread. It'll be a win-win for him.

90. RJ in TO Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:11 PM (#3219940)

Incidentally, is there any way that this guy doesn't get drafted high in the first round, absent a major arrest or crippling injury?

91. RMc is the loyal supporter of the MLB event Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:20 PM (#3219960)

That's $2,000 in today's money, right? By 2011, that'll be about a half-million...

92. Dr Love Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:26 PM (#3219967)

Of course $2k will probably be worth $20 by the time Lazzeri has to pay up.

You don't want $20 for nothing? I do.

93. Neil Kinnock...Lord Palmerston! (Orinoco) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:29 PM (#3219972)

Who cares about inflation? Something for nothing. I'm in.

94. RobertMachemer Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:48 PM (#3219989)

I'm not above accepting money for nothing. Count me in, Lazzeri.

95. akrasian Posted: June 15, 2009 at 04:54 PM (#3219990)

So, will this become the longest thread in BTF history?

96. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:06 PM (#3220005)

What is Scott Boras' take on this?

Ask Jon Heyman.

97. esseff Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:07 PM (#3220007)

I'm not above accepting money for nothing.

And your chicks for free?

If a lawyerly someone is keeping a list, I'm in, too, on the dollar bucks.

Now, all seriousness aside, while this is no doubt a sound baseball decision for Harper, the last two years of high school ought to be about the two best years of a person's life, and I'm sorry he's going to miss them.

Also, I cringed when I got the SI with the 16-year-old next great thing on the cover. Terrible thing to do to a kid.

98. Fred Lynn Nolan Ryan Sweeney Agonistes Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:09 PM (#3220008)

3. Lazzeri Posted: June 14, 2009 at 10:04 PM (#3219433)
God, I hate hype. I'll give each of you $2,000 bucks if this kid ever makes it to the major leagues.

Lazzeri, I will gladly accept your $2000 if and when Harper makes the big leagues.
Thanks!

99. PreservedFish Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:12 PM (#3220010)

while this is no doubt a sound baseball decision for Harper, the last two years of high school ought to be about the two best years of a person's life, and I'm sorry he's going to miss them.

If he is as precocious a man as he is a ballplayer, he's been banging high school cheerleaders since he was in 7th grade.

100. Tripon Posted: June 15, 2009 at 05:14 PM (#3220011)

If he is as precocious a man as he is a ballplayer, he's been banging high school cheerleaders since he was in 7th grade.

Well, as long as he's not banging 7th grade cheerleaders, then everything is fine.

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Bryce Harper leaves high school early, and it makes sense

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