On April 28, 2012, one of the most hyped prospects in baseball history made his much-anticipated MLB debut. Bryce Harper, the number one overall pick from the 2010 draft, had torn through minor league pitching and was poised to take the league by storm.
Early Batting Success
In his first at-bat, Harper showed he was ready for the big leagues by driving a ball deep to left field off Clayton Kershaw. While he didn't get a hit that time, he worked the count and made solid contact. He would get his first MLB hit in his next at-bat, grinding out an infield single. By the end of his debut game against the Dodgers, Harper was 1-for-3 with a walk. He proved he wasn't intimidated by major league pitching and could battle even the game's best hurlers like Kershaw. While the numbers were modest, Harper flashed the legendary combination of power and patience that made him such a special prospect.
First Home Run and RBI
It didn't take long for Harper to collect his first career home run. In his second game on April 30th, Harper launched a solo shot to left-center off of Marlins starter Josh Johnson. He showed off his prodigious power to pull a fastball into the seats. Harper would drive in his first career run a few days later against the Mets on May 2nd. He smoked a double to deep left-center that scored another runner. These were the first examples of Harper living up to the hype with his impressive power numbers.
Strong Debut Despite Inexperience
While he was only 19 years old and fresh out of high school, Harper held his own against MLB caliber pitching from the get-go. He displayed advanced plate discipline and approach beyond his years. Though he struck out 13 times in his first 10 games, Harper also walked 7 times showing he didn't chase pitches outside the zone. For a teenager still adapting to professional baseball, Harper's first two weeks were incredibly successful. He slashed .330/.419/.623 with 3 home runs in 45 at-bats, proving he belonged among the game's elite.
Five-Tool Talent on Full Display
In addition to his bat, Harper put his full complement of tools on display that got scouts so excited. He flashed plus speed and athleticism on the bases, legging out infield hits and taking the extra base. In the field, Harper showed off a rocket arm from the outfield, gunning out baserunners with ease. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Harper's game was the all-around impact he made on both sides of the ball from day one. Rarely does a player, let alone a teenager, possess five above-average baseball skills. But Harper burst onto the scene with as complete of a skillset as anyone.
Throwing Out Runner at Home
One of Harper's most memorable defensive plays came on May 6th against the Giants. With the game tied in the 9th inning, Harper fired a bullet on the fly from deep right-center field all the way to the plate to nail a tagging runner at home to save the game. Scouts had long praised Harper's throwing arm, but this was proof that it could impact a game in the majors. His 307-foot laser, accurate on the fly, showcased why Harper was considered a true five-tool player from the very beginning.
Living Up To The Hype
When all was said and done, Harper far exceeded any reasonable expectations for a teenage MLB debut. Over 22 games in his first stint in the bigs, Harper put together a .270/.340/.477 line with 5 home runs and 14 RBI. Harper made it clear from day one that he belonged in the Show. While many touted prospects fizzle out or need time in the minors, Harper avoided any semblance of a slump by dominating MLB pitching from his first at-bat. He officially announced his arrival as one of baseball's new budding superstars.