MLB star Bryce Harper wants more fighting in baseball: 'If you want to go, you want to go'
Bryce Harper advocates for more fighting in baseball, viewing it as a way to address tensions on the field.
Bryce Harper, the MLB star and two-time MVP, expressed his belief that fighting should become more common in baseball during a recent episode of the podcast "Bussin' With The Boys." Harper, known for his infamous brawl with relief pitcher Hunter Strickland in 2017, drew parallels between baseball and hockey, suggesting that regulated fighting could help reduce tensions between players. He stated that he does not wish to fight anyone but recognizes that conflicts can escalate naturally during the game.
Harper's comments come in the wake of ongoing discussions about player safety and sportsmanship in baseball. By endorsing the idea of fighting, he implies that allowing more physical confrontations might deter players from retaliating in less controlled ways, such as throwing at batters. This perspective reignites the debate on how sports should handle player confrontations while balancing safety and the spirit of competition.
Moreover, Harper's comments may resonate with a segment of baseball fans who enjoy the more aggressive aspects of the sport, reminiscent of the excitement found in hockey. His remarks raise questions about the culture of baseball and whether a shift towards more leniency in player disputes could transform the sport's dynamics. As the conversation evolves, it will be interesting to see how MLB and its community respond to the idea of incorporating more physicality into the game.