Bryce Harper’s Love for Philly Culture and Wawa Got Him in Trouble with MLB
Bryce Harper is known for his love of all things Philly, including the local favorite grocer Wawa, which led to some issues with MLB this summer, writes Stephanie Farr for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
During a game earlier this year, Harper, the Phillies star hitter and first baseman, put on custom-made Wawa cleats and a headband. The move resulted in a fine for improper advertising.
“Obviously I understand why,” said Harper, “but also I think kids love it.”
The headband he wore resembled Wawa’s hoagie wrappers, while the cleats featured a barcode with the phrase “Gottahavea Harper.” Both were made in collaboration with Under Armour.
Harper debuted the gear in June, during the Delaware County-based grocery chain’s annual HoagieFest promotion.
The barcode on the heels of the cleats paid homage to the Harper’s favorite customized Wawa hoagie, which he eats before games.
It is not known how hefty MLB’s fines for inappropriate advertising were.
Since he joined the Phillies five years ago, Harper has integrated himself with the region’s residents by leaning into local favorites, such as Wawa.
Read more about Bryce Harper and his Wawa fine in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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