Bryce Harper has played alongside many talented teammates during his years with the Philadelphia Phillies, but one recently retired player had high praise for the fans — calling them tough, but the best he experienced in his career.
“I know they’re a little tough, too, when you’re struggling, and they let you know when you need to get better. But that’s Philadelphia. And at the end of the day, they’re the best fans I’ve ever had in my career,” Jean Segura told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Because they care about the game, they care about the players, they love you, but at the same point they let you know, we need you to get better.”
Speaking with Alex Coffey of the Inquirer, Segura also revealed that even after he left the Phillies, the support from the fan base never faded. “Even when I [got] out [of Philadelphia], there were still fans reaching out, they always supported me. They [were] always there. Maybe ‘cause I came through in the big moments, in the pressure moments.”
Harper and Segura’s time together
Harper and Segura first played together in 2019. While the Dominican infielder only had two seasons with over 100 games during his time in Philadelphia, he maintained a solid .281 batting average, contributing consistently when healthy.
Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies attempts to field a ball hit by Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros during the fourth inning in Game Five of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 03, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Their relationship wasn’t without its bumps. In 2024, Segura shared that he had a minor run-in with Harper, though he clarified that things were generally good between them. “Harper’s a cool guy, but he’s one of those people who loves you one day and it’s the complete opposite the next,” he said. “I had a small run-in with him because I was on my phone, talking in the clubhouse. He told me to put on headphones or go outside, saying the clubhouse wasn’t just mine.”
Why Segura decided to retire
Despite receiving a few offers to continue as a bench player after finishing his contract with the Marlins, Segura chose to step away from the game. “After I spent 12 years in the majors playing every day, I don’t want to end my career sitting in the dugout, when my family really needs time with me,” he said.
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