Exactly one year after making his much-heralded major-league debut, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper declined to reflect on his early accomplishments that have supported his billing as one of the most enticing prospects in history. Instead, the 20-year-old and reigning NL Rookie of the Year Award winner looked to the future.
"I haven't really thought about it. I'm the type of person that puts everything behind me and just looks ahead," he told MLB.com. "I live for that moment right then and there. Don't look back, try to get better every day, try to be the best that I can and play the game the right way."
No other Nationals player in history has registered as many homers (nine) or RBI (18) as Harper during the month of April. He also entered play Sunday with a .373 batting average, sparking talk that he could become the first 20-year-old since Al Kaline in 1955 to capture the batting title.
"I don't see why not," hitting coach Rick Eckstein said. "I don't always measure success by your batting average, but I measure it by other qualities. Everything that he shows -- he shows the ability and feel for the game and feel for his body in making adjustments."