CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper’s admiration for the Phillie Phanatic is now permanently displayed on his skin. The Philadelphia Phillies player made a splash at spring training by showing off a new tattoo on his right arm, which features the popular team mascot riding an all-terrain vehicle.
The tattoo is the work of Hannah Matthews, a tattoo artist from Utah, and showcases a detailed fine-line design. Matthews shared her tattoo session with Harper on her Instagram, where she highlighted the new ink prominently placed on Harper’s outer right arm, just above the wrist.
A two-time National League MVP and an eight-time All-Star, Harper has built a fun rapport with the Phanatic ever since joining the Phillies in 2019. Fans have enjoyed seeing Harper embrace the iconic furry, green mascot by wearing cleats, headbands, and even using a bat styled after the Phanatic during a game against the New York Mets in London last summer.
Speaking to MLB.com, Harper expressed his long-standing desire to celebrate the Phanatic in a significant way. “I just love Philly,” Harper remarked. “I love the Phanatic. It’s just fun.”
The placement of the tattoo isn’t arbitrary. Harper explained to MLB.com that when he swings, the illustration gives the impression that the Phanatic is tracking the ball’s trajectory as it flies off his bat. “People can kind of see that as I swing,” Harper mentioned. “Him driving off my arm, I thought it looked pretty cool.”
