Bryce Harper’s first game in National Parks in a Phillies uniform was highly anticipated for both Nats and Phils fans. For the Nats, it was a return marred with sentiments of betrayal and resounding boos. As if the sting of declining a ten-year, $300 million contract didn’t hurt enough, Nationals fans were enraged that their “Bam Bam” would take up a contract spanning thirteen years with an arch division rival.
Prior to the April 2 standoff, Nats fans traded in Harper paraphernalia at a local sports bar in exchange for free alcohol.