Bryce Harper brought a unique and heartwarming twist to Monday’s game between the Phillies and Giants, using his first-inning at-bat to reveal the gender of his fourth child. With help from teammate Trea Turner, Harper stepped up to the plate wielding a blue bat — signifying that he and his wife, Kayla, are expecting another son.
It was a creative moment that turned a regular game into a memorable occasion for the entire Phillies clubhouse. Though the team fell 10-4 to San Francisco, Harper’s gesture offered a bright moment that stood out beyond the scoreboard.
“Pretty cool, pretty special day,” Turner said after the game. “He let us know in our team meeting that he wanted to share the moment with everybody. He was nice enough to ask me to do it.”
Turner played along with a little mischief before the reveal. After receiving the gender via text, he teased Harper by picking up a pink bat in the dugout and swinging it around, making Harper believe for a moment he was having a girl. Then came the blue bat — and the confirmation of a baby boy.
Harper already has three children: Krew, Brooklyn, and Kamryn. While he struck out in the at-bat, the dugout and fans watching got to share in a personal moment that was bigger than baseball.
In an era where players often keep their personal lives off the field, Harper’s in-game reveal added a layer of personality and family celebration to the day. Despite the loss, it’s a game his family — and the Phillies — won’t forget anytime soon.
