Bryce Harper, the baseball phenom from Las Vegas High School, has no future in high school. An extraordinary player is ready to make an unusual move.
Harper, a 16-year-old who just completed his sophomore year, has registered at the College of Southern Nevada, where he plans to attend classes in August and play for the Coyotes next season.
His father, Ron Harper, announced the decision Saturday while in Oklahoma City for a baseball tournament.
"Bryce is always looking for his next challenge," Ron Harper said. "He's going to pursue his education, too. He's going to get pushed academically and athletically.
"I don't see a problem with it. I think we've handled it the right way. I think it will be a great story."
Bryce's brother Bryan is transferring from Cal State Northridge to play with his brother at College of Southern Nevada next season, so that, according to his father, he can mentor his younger brother.Ron Harper said his son, who turns 17 on Oct. 16, will be draft eligible "in 2010 or 2011. ... There are a lot of rules that people don't know about."
Bryce Harper and his mother, Sheri, recently went to CSN and signed enrollment forms and his letter of intent to play baseball. Harper is aiming to earn his GED test credentials in the fall.
"He was thinking about it. He initiated it," Ron Harper said. "He said, 'Dad, why can't I take my GED and do this?' "
The minimum age for major league draft eligibility is 16, upon completion of high school.
To me it seems like all the hype may be getting into Harper's head and he's trying to rush things. For his sake I hope it works out, but you never know. This could turn out to be the worst decision he's ever made.
This doesn't help the Yankees chances at landing him, that's for sure. People said he would have been a top three pick in this year's draft, so barring a catastrophic injury he's probably headed for a top three pick next year. And with Washington likely headed for another season with the worst record in the game, they're in line for another number one pick.
5 Comments:
i remember the si article on this kid-wow. can certainly see how he could get impatient if he's that good. i hope he finds his way (to yankee stadium)
The Yankees never had any chance at getting him. The only way this helps the Yankees at all is A.) He will be the NL with the Nationals and B.) he will be a free agent one year earlier and one year closer to his prime if the Yanks wish to pursue him.
I know they have no chance at him, at least until he hits the FA market in 10 years.
well hopefully hes so good hes called up right away starting his arbitration clock.. this gives us a chance to sign him when he hits free agency alot sooner
What if he chooses NOT to sign with the Nationals and wait on the Yankees to choose him while denying others contracts?
I know it sounds crazy but it can happen.
If he really wanted to play for the Yankees.
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