Bryce Harper goes 2-4 in AAA debut, had "butterflies and whatnot".

(Bryce Harper takes the field during pregame introductions on Thursday in a vintage 1978 Chiefs uni. Screengrab via TV/TWC)

And so, Bryce Harper started his Triple-A stint with the Syracuse Chiefs with a 2-4 day at the plate, including a double and a stolen base. Apparently Harper (starting in CF) had "butterflies and whatnot" before the game. Quotes, via the Associated Press:

"You always get that nervous feeling, butterflies and whatnot...but after that first pitch is thrown, all of that goes out the door.
...
I was a little out of whack in big league spring training with my swing, my hands...I think the best thing was me getting sent down to Triple A and really getting on that grind every day of playing, get my routine back. I think that's the biggest thing.

When I was up there, I tried to work as hard as I could every single day, but I was trying to do too much, getting a hit every single day. Now, it made me calm down and really stay within myself, stay with my game. I have a lot of things to work on. This is just another steppingstone." (Bryce Harper, via Associated Press/SI.com, 4/5/2012)

See you at Nationals Park on Friday, June 1, kid.

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Comments

[Nationals Anthems]

"I just want to stay patient and suave, not get too big," said Harper.

This kid is a quote machine.