Harrison scores 500th run as crucial role player for Phils

PHILADELPHIA >> The milestone didn’t register on ESPN Stats and Info, and it was the last note on a day of statistical achievement in the Philadelphia Phillies’ Saturday blowout of the Washington Nationals.

But scoring 500 career runs certainly resonated with Josh Harrison, the utility player who turns 36 next week. Harrison will cherish the personal benchmark that came on Kyle Schwarber’s grand slam in a 19-4 victory over the Nat just as he enjoyed back-to-back trips to the All-Star game with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his 1,000th career hit.

“It’s a blessing,” Harrison said. “We set out to play this game, and you never know how long you get to play it. It’s all in God’s hands. But I can look back and reflect on a few things and say it’s kind of cool to say I scored 500 runs. I don’t know how many people can say they’ve scored that many let alone scoring one run in the big leagues. Definitely grateful, appreciative and ready to keep it rolling.”

The 5-8, 190-pound Harrison looks more fan than ballplayer in this, his 15th MLB season. In 36 games he’s batting .231 with six extra base hits, including two home runs, along with 10 RBIs.

Those numbers belie Harrison’s value as a role player for the Phillies. And he’s been comfortable filling in wherever needed throughout a lengthy career that began as a sixthround pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2008.

Harrison’s MLB debut was May 31, 2011, at age 23. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI with the Pirates and naturally, a run scored in a win over the New York Mets. Twelve-hundred and three games later, the utility player touched home for the 500th time.

“As I sit back and reflect, I’ve dealt with my fair share of injuries,” Harrison said. “So, it’s not anything I take likely because I feel like I had a stretch of four or five years where I spent six weeks on the injured list. The past couple of years I’ve been able to knock a few milestones off. Not that I’ve been looking to count. But it’s nice to be reminded that I’ve had an opportunity to play this game for as long as I have and keep going. And I’m excited for everything that comes along.”

No Phillies player has appeared at more positions this season than Harrison, who has seen time at third base (15 games), second base (nine), left field (six), right field (two) and even pitcher. Yes, he threw 1.2 innings of relief this season.

“He’s gotten a chance to play a little bit and he brings a lot of energy,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s a baseball player. You can put him anywhere on the diamond and he’s going to give his best defensively. And he’s been playing very well defensively and giving us good at bats.”

Born in Cincinnati, Harrison starred in baseball at the University of Cincinnati while Jason Kelce, who debuted with the Eagles in 2011 and his brother Travis, who got his start with the Chiefs in 2013, made their marks in football.

“Bearcats,” Harrison said. “Baseball didn’t really present us with an opportunity to meet. We were there four years. I obviously knew who those guys were. I can’t remember any times we crossed paths but I know who they are and I know all about The Heights podcast. The superintendent at my high school that just retired, he’s actually from the Cleveland area. I know all about The Heights.”