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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

A’s closer Mason Miller shared a hilarious story about Bryce Harper not wanting to face him

Second-year closer Mason Miller is the Oakland Athletics’ lone All-Star this season. And because the A’s are … well … the A’s, Miller got to Arlington by hopping aboard the Phillies’ private jet with the franchise’s record eight All-Stars. That travel arrangement gave Miller an opportunity to chat with Bryce Harper.

And we’re glad he did because it led to one great story to share.

Ahead of the Phillies’ series against the A’s, Harper had been curious about facing Miller. The closer burst onto the scene this season with devastating velocity to pair with almost unhittable breaking pitches. Well, the chance to see Miller pitch in person from the dugout changed Harper’s mind real quick.

In an interview with Pitching Ninja, Miller shared how Harper had been asking about him. But once he witnessed the A’s closer hit 104 mph on the radar gun to Brandon Marsh, he was fine missing out on the chance to bat against Miller.

“Ah, I’m good,” Miller described Harper as saying on the plane.

Unless he somehow faces Miller in Tuesday’s All-Star Game (doubtful given that Harper is a starter), the Phillies star won’t have to worry about seeing Miller until next season.

Still, fans loved that story from Miller — there might have been some mild recruiting at play. I wouldn’t want to face 104 either.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

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