Philly Leader

For seven years, Major League Baseball player Bryce Harper and hockey star Alex Ovechkin both played in Washington, D.C., sharing the sports spotlight. Harper, currently with the Philadelphia Phillies, recently spoke about his admiration for Ovechkin’s achievements.

Ovechkin recently surpassed Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leader in goals, scoring his 895th career goal. Reflecting on this milestone, Harper remarked from Truist Park, “Amazing. What an incredible scorer. I like the way he did it, too.” He praised Ovechkin for opting not to achieve the record on an empty net, emphasizing respect for the sport.

Both athletes have been in the company of top talents across sports. Harper noted he doesn’t frequently inquire about the secrets to their greatness but speculated that their shared instinct to excel is a common trait. “Some are more killers than others, right?” Harper added.

Bryce Harper himself has a successful baseball career, with highlights such as being a two-time National League MVP and maintaining a significant career WAR. He expressed his intent to continue his career into his 40s, suggesting ongoing ambition.

Harper’s performance places him among some of baseball’s most legendary figures. Baseball Reference indicates parallels with Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds and Reggie Jackson, showcasing his potential path to Cooperstown. Harper stated, “It’s trying to be perfect at your craft. It’s trying to get better at your craft as you go.”