Bryce Harper has made his affection for the Phillies’ beloved mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, permanent—literally. Tattoo artist Hannah Matthews, based in Utah, shared images of Harper’s new tattoo on social media, which is located on his right forearm.
The tattoo features the Phanatic riding a four-wheeler.
In her Instagram post, Matthews expressed her joy in tattooing the Phillies’ star first baseman. She reflected on the impact of baseball on her life and how it shaped her memories:
“I would tell you how the game of baseball has taught me some of my favorite life lessons. About how my fondest memories growing up are playing catch with my dad, playing wiffle ball in the front yard and using the garden hose as bases,” Matthews wrote. “I’d try to express the feeling of happiness, calling my dad when I was 14 to tell him I hit my first home run. Center field. The park lights were humming. She didn’t even feel the ball hit the bat. I’ll never know why I got this opportunity of a lifetime — but I could not be more grateful to Bryce for asking me to do this @philliephanatic piece.”
Harper’s connection to the Phanatic dates back to 2019, when he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies.
From the start, Harper embraced the Phillies fans and mascot, even wearing Phanatic-inspired cleats during his first regular-season game with the team. That wouldn’t be the last time; he also wore Phanatic-themed headgear and a “Clearwooder” T-shirt featuring the mascot. The 2021 NL MVP has also gifted the Phanatic a personalized birthday present.
During the 2023 Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Harper used a Phanatic-themed bat.
With spring training underway and the Phillies’ season starting Saturday, fans can look forward to a baseball-filled weekend in Philadelphia that will last through at least the end of September.
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