Nearly four years ago, Bryce Harper made the life-altering decision to sign a 13-year, $330 million contract — the most lucrative guaranteed deal in North American sports history at the time — with the Phillies. In his introductory press conference, he expressed his desire to bring a title back to the City of Brotherly Love, travel down Broad Street in a parade and hold the Commissionerβs Trophy over his head for the Phils faithful.
When Harper signed with the Phillies, he did so wanting the opportunity to play deep into the postseason. He understood it would take a few seasons for the organization to discover its identity.
That time is now.
Harper and the Phillies are one win away from his first Fall Classic after Saturday nightβs 10-6 victory over the Padres in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park.
Houstonβs All-Star second baseman may have set a Major League record for the longest hitless streak to start a postseason, but it came to an end in Game 3.
The Astros are 6-0 this postseason, putting them among some pretty impressive company when it comes to teams in MLB history with the longest win streaks to start a postseason.
The 2004 Red Sox are the only team to avoid elimination after losing the first three games of a postseason series, but a few other teams have provided memorable October moments while giving the eventual winner a scare.