Bryce Harper Praises Alec Bohm’s Swing, Highlighting His Emerging Impact
When it comes time for Bryce Harper to teach his kids how to swing a bat, one might assume he would impart the technique that has made him a two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and three-time Silver Slugger winner. However, Harper plans to teach them to swing like his Phillies teammate Alec Bohm instead.
“I always tell him, ‘If I’m going to teach my kids how to hit, it’s going to be like you,'” Harper said. “Just because he’s a big man and he’s got a little man’s swing. It’s just a really good swing. Very easy. He can hit to all fields. He’s going to hit for power and average.”
Harper’s admiration for Bohm’s swing isn’t isolated; it’s becoming evident that opposing teams are also recognizing Bohm’s prowess. Traditionally, facing Harper with an open base in extra innings of a tie game has resulted in an intentional walk. However, last Saturday, Nationals manager Dave Martinez opted to pitch to Harper rather than load the bases for Bohm.
“Bohm’s been really, really good,” Martinez said, explaining his decision.
Bohm entered Saturday with impressive statistics, slashing .314/.370/.505, leading MLB with 20 doubles, and ranking third in the majors with 46 RBIs. His performance has been so strong that opposing managers are reconsidering the strategy of intentionally walking one of the most feared hitters of this generation to face Bohm instead.
Before last Saturday, Harper had faced three plate appearances with an open base and a tie game in extra innings this season and was intentionally walked each time. A similar situation occurred on September 22 last year against the Mets when Harper was intentionally walked before Bohm delivered a walk-off hit.
Martinez was determined not to let history repeat itself.
“I didn’t think much of it in the moment, but [Matt] Strahm came up to me after the game and said, ‘Hey, they just pitched to Bryce Harper to not pitch to you,'” Bohm said. “So I took that as a little token of respect, for sure. Whether they do or don’t walk him, it doesn’t change much to me, but that was kind of a cool little thing to know people are respecting what I’m doing.”
Bohm’s clutch hitting is becoming impossible to ignore, especially with runners on base. He entered Saturday batting .329 with runners on base over the past two seasons. With runners in scoring position, he was hitting .359, and .352 with runners in scoring position and two outs. These statistics place him among the top 10 in the majors in these respective categories.
The only other player to rank among the top 10 in all three categories is a testament to Bohm’s emerging impact and consistency. As Bohm continues to excel, the respect from both teammates and opponents grows, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable hitter in critical situations.
