If Nats Fans Hate Harper Now Then Wait Until September

Bryce Harper received the kind of jeers normally reserved for heel pro wrestlers when he returned to Nationals Park tonight as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. There was even a sign which read "Pardon Papelbon" referring to a 2015 incident where former Nats reliever Jonathan Papelbon grabbed Harper by the throat during a dugout altercation.

Nats fans were elated when their ace Max Scherzer struck out Harper his first two times up. But Harper would have the last laugh collecting a RBI double and a two run HR. In his return, Harper went 3 for 5 with a HR and 3 RBIs. 

If Harper can get this kind of heat on a cold, rainy April night in D.C. then imagine what kind of heat he'll generate on a hot muggy September night. Especially if the Nationals and Phillies are fighting over the last NL Wild Card berth. 

Harper might be public enemy number one in D.C., but he will put asses in seats and the very fans who jeer will be recording his every move. One day Nats fans will have a good laugh about it. But that day won't come for at least 20 years. Maybe more. The fun has only just begun.