Tag Archives: Jackie Robinson

Washington Nationals Executives Doug Harris & Tony Tarasco Compare Bryce Harper’s Scrutiny To Jackie Robinson’s

This is sure to be a story that will get a ton of publicity over the next few days. Sports Illustrated has posted on their website, Tom Verducci’s latest story on Bryce Harper that will hit news stands in the August 1st issue of the magazine. If you remember it was Verducci that introduced Harper to the world with the cover story back in 2009 with his Baseball’s Chosen One cover story. Among the standout items of the new article is quotes by Washington Nationals director of player development Doug Harris, and minor league coordinator Tony Tarasco comparing Harper’s scrutiny to that faced by Jackie Robinson. The in depth story focuses on Harper’s rise through the Nationals’ minor league system, the backlash he’s seen from opposing players and fans, the infamous kiss blowing incident, buying his #34 from a Harrisburg Senators teammate, and day to day life as baseball’s biggest prospect. It’s a very good read.

Here He Comes: The game’s future is biding his time in the minors, where he’s raking the pitchers and riling his critics. Is Bryce Harper ready? Definitely—but are we ready for Bryce Harper? — Sports Illustrated

UPDATE: Doug Harris the Nationals Director of Player Development who was quoted in the story has issued a statement on his Jackie Robinson remarks.