Fans of the Washington Nationals enjoyed watching their favorite hitter Bryce Harper take the field for the Potomac Nationals in Woodbridge, Va., Tuesday night.
A young fan holds up a sign saying she has no doubt Bryce Harper will return to the Nats. The outfielder made his first rehabilitation assignment Tuesday night for the Single-A team Potomac Nationals. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
The Potomac Nationals sometimes have sell-out crowds. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper looks on during batting practice as he begins his minor league rehab assignment with the Single-A Potomac Nationals, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. The Potomac Nationals play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper looks back as he runs on the field during batting practice as he begins his minor league rehab assignment with the Single-A Potomac Nationals, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. The Potomac Nationals play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
297660 Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper arrives on the field in Woodbridge for a minor league game in 2014. He made his first rehabilitation assignment for the Single-A Potomac Nationals. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Nationals fans watch outfielder Bryce Harper at bat during a minor league game in Woodbridge Tuesday evening. Harper made his first rehabilitation assignment Tuesday with the Single-A team. In his first at-bat he hit a pop-up into shallow left field that was dropped by Myrtle Beach shortstop Edwin Garcia. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper bats in the first inning as he begins his minor league rehab assignment with the Class-A Potomac Nationals, during a baseball game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Bryce Harper wore a knee brace during warm-ups, but it wasn't visible during the game. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
297665 The P-Nats have said for each of the past several years that they were close to being able to start construction on a stadium behind the Wegmans and apartments at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Bryce Harper, last year's National League Rookie of the Year, went 1 -for 1 with a double, a walk, and a run scored during his three innings with the Potomac Nationals. Harper hadn't played since May 26 and was put on the disabled list June 2 with bursitis in his left knee. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper reacts after he was picked off at second base during a rehab assignment with the Class-A Potomac Nationals, during the first inning of a baseball game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper pauses during his third-inning at-bat in a rehab assignment with the Class-A Potomac Nationals, against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in a baseball game, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Bryce Harper Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper loses his helmet as he runs toward third from first during a rehab assignment with the Class-A Potomac Nationals, during the third inning of a baseball game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Woodbridge, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Nationals star left fielder Bryce Harper, who was placed on the disabled list with a knee injury June 2, gave minor league baseball fans a treat Tuesday night as he started a rehab assignment with the Potomac Nationals.
A sellout crowd at Pfitzner Stadium screamed and applauded as Harper took to the field wearing No. 32.
“I want to see Bryce Harper play … because he’s just a really good player,” said 9-year-old Lucciano Battitori who was hoping to get Harper’s autograph.
“When we heard he was going to rehab here for the next few games, we pretty much went to the computer and bought seats for tonight’s game. So that’s what drove us to make the purchase,” said Mike Hampton, who brought his son Garrett to the game.
Vice President and General Manager of the Potomac Nationals Josh Olerud said the excitement over Harper reminds him of when Stephen Strasburg came to play with the P-Nats.
“Once they announced it, it’s been pretty crazy here. Fans are loving the fact that they can come into Woodbridge here and see him. Worst seat in the house – you’re going to be about 40 feet from the field,” said Olerud.
There are other perks for visitors to the stadium nicknamed “The Pfitz.”
“We pride ourselves on family, affordable entertainment. We really beat that term into the ground. It’s where for $8 to $12 to $15 – our price range – you can come and not only see good baseball, but you’re going to be in a very intimate setting with great promotions,” said Olerud.
For instance, on Mondays you can get $1 general admission tickets, and $1 hot dogs.
“When school gets out, that’s one of our biggest walk-up nights. We literally go through thousands of hot dogs on Monday nights. Families come out here to enjoy dinner and watch a little baseball,” Olerud said.
Harper played three innings Tuesday night before calling it a night. He went 1-for 1 with a double, a walk, and a run scored.
The Potomac Nationals went on to beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 7-5.
It’s not clear how long Harper’s rehab stay with the team will be, but the Potomac Nationals’ website says tickets are available to see Harper and the rest of the team play Wednesday night.
Nationals Manager Davey Johnson, speaking before Washington’s game against Arizona, said Harper likely won’t rejoin the Nationals this weekend when they travel to New York.
