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There he goes! His cleats are newly signed by Jason Kelce. His cream jersey is so fresh, the first wear of the year. His hat is so blue. And he is sprinting, his eyes turned toward the heavens, abiding by the guidance of God (the ball).

His feet fall on a ground of palms (carefully mowed grass), and then upon the hard dirt. He is reaching further and further for glory, though he knows it will be dangerous—his end, even.

At the last minute, he hesitates, eyes his future uncertainly. Perhaps, in this moment, he begged of God (the ball), "If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Or perhaps he thought nothing at all as his thighs collided with the short barrier between him and the camera well.

There he goes!

Bryce Harper flips over a wall and into the camera well.
Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Oh no!!!

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 30: First baseman Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies chases a foul ball hit by Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves and flips over the dugout railing during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on March 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rich Schultz/Getty Images

AHHHHH!

He is gone!!! His torture complete. Led by God (the ball) to his end (big fall into camera well). Feet over head. A cartwheel into the abyss!

What will we do? Everyone is so worried. A gasp rises from some 44 thousand people, and then a bad, terrified silence. One. Two. Three.

Oh, whew.

Never mind! He's fine!

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 30: First baseman Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies is helped out of the dugout by Bryson Stott #5 and J.T. Realmuto #10 after he chased a foul ball hit by Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves and flipped over the dugout railing during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on March 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rich Schultz/Getty Images

He is risen!

This is his body broken for us (cut finger). We are blessed, kind of. Unfortunately there is no salvation to be had. He did not catch the ball. God remains elusive, always out of reach.

Now Bryce Harper has ascended to heaven (scheduled day off unrelated to finger cut) and we await his return.

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