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.
Mason Miller on Bryce Harper's change of heart on wanting to hit against him. 🤣 @FanDuel pic.twitter.com/Nk1cY2X0eR
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 16, 2024
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
This is awesome 😂 https://t.co/8nyVIljVVE
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) July 16, 2024
this is dope https://t.co/OEXpK6XsH1
— Logan (@_LoganHill) July 16, 2024
Mason Miller is such a Phillie https://t.co/GTik5SccNz
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) July 16, 2024
Recruiting >>>> https://t.co/VGJ5UvkcHE
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) July 16, 2024
oh bryce is recruiting huh? https://t.co/KrtZAAvoKY
— alexa ✨️⚾️ (@winchdeann) July 16, 2024
Even Bryce don’t want none of that 😂 https://t.co/atI9dV6PXC
— HazMatt ☣️ (@HazMattyGaming) July 16, 2024
tampering king making moves. https://t.co/IyKB32eFZD
— ^-^ (@boonworst) July 16, 2024
He’s so a Phillie https://t.co/b2GN4PibVi
— Justin Lever ❤️⚾️ (@JustinLever3) July 16, 2024
Bryce aint want them problems LMAO https://t.co/iHvA7H7Esu
— K.N.D❤️🔥 (@WhiteAFOnes_) July 16, 2024
He said ahhh I’m good NAH FOR REAL https://t.co/9YbFxLHKbV
— Zd (@zdthekilla) July 16, 2024
