Hitting coach: Bryce would’ve ‘thrived’ in NY
PHILADELPHIA — Kevin Long has been Bryce Harper’s hitting coach in both Washington and now Philadelphia, and the former Yankee hitting coach believes what many others do: Harper would have been excellent in The Bronx.
“He would have thrived there,’’ Long said Thursday before the Phillies lost 3-2 to the Astros in Game 5 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park.
“I just know the bigger the stage, it seems like he’s up for it and he’s game-on,’’ Long said.
Harper was a force in the first three rounds of the postseason for the Phillies and was named NLCS MVP.
He hasn’t been as productive in the World Series, but reached base his first three times up on Thursday.
Harper has done what the Phillies expected since signing his 13-year, $330 million deal before the 2019 season and dealt with the expectations that come with that kind of contract in a tough town like Philadelphia.
“These guys can be ruthless,’’ Long said of Philadelphia fans. “It doesn’t bother him. He embraces it.”
Long, who was the hitting coach on both sides of town in New York, spending 2007-14 in The Bronx and 2015-17 with the Mets, has no doubt Harper was built for that atmosphere.
The Yankees opted not to pursue Harper when he was a free agent, having already taken on Giancarlo Stanton’s contract from the Marlins.
But his power and lefty swing seem made for the short porch in right field at the Stadium.
More than that, though, Long thinks Harper’s mentality would have been a fit.
“I think he’d embrace New York, as well, and everything that goes with it,’’ Long said. “Whether it’s the spotlight, the pressure, it all makes him play even better.”
Long worked with Harper in Washington after leaving the Mets in 2017.
This is Long’s first year with the Phillies and Harper is dealing with the effects of the fractured left thumb that cost him two months after he was hit by a pitch in San Diego on June 25.
He returned in August and has led the Phillies’ offense since.
“Even though he’d be great in New York, I’m glad he’s here,’’ Long said. “I’m glad he’s in Philly. But I’m confident he would have been great in New York.”