Philly Leader

Bryce Harper has taken another step to solidify his connection with Philadelphia. The Phillies star revealed a new tattoo on his right forearm, featuring the Phillie Phanatic riding an ATV. Harper showed off the ink at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida.

“I’ve been wanting it for a while,” Harper explained. “Obviously, the Phanatic and Philly mean a lot. But when I think about the Phanatic, it’s him on an ATV. I thought it was pretty cool.”

Harper's admiration for the team's mascot began before he signed his 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. Over time, this fondness has only grown stronger. He has previously worn a custom-made green suit inspired by the Phanatic and used a specially designed bat featuring the mascot during last summer’s London Series.

In addition to these tributes, Harper often wears green Phanatic spikes during games and once donned custom-made ones for pregame introductions at Citizens Bank Park in 2020. His collection of team-themed gear also includes a sliding mitt and headband adorned with images of the beloved mascot.

“I don’t know,” Harper said about his affection for Philadelphia and its iconic mascot. “I just love Philly. I love the Phanatic. It’s just fun.”

The tattoo was created by Utah-based artist Hannah Matthews, whom Harper discovered while researching fine-line tattoo artists during the offseason.

“She was awesome,” Harper remarked about Matthews' work. “I looked up fine-line and reached out to her to see if she could recommend anybody. She said, ‘Oh, I’ll do it.’ She came into town and did it.”

Fans may catch glimpses of this new piece as they watch Harper play this season; it's positioned between his often-taped wrist and arm sleeve.

“People can kind of see that as I swing,” noted Harper regarding how visible his latest tribute will be on-field action: "Him driving off my arm...I thought it looked pretty cool."