PHILADELPHIA _ Bryce Harper, Philadelphia's $330 million man, wants you to know he's God-fearing.
It's the first bit of information listed on the baseball superstar's Instagram account _ a platform that could be used to spread any kind of message to his 1.6 million followers. But, for him, faith is apparently No. 1.
When Harper agreed to a 13-year contract with the Phillies in March, the most-expensive free-agent signing in Phillies history, he joined the ranks of other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with big names in Philadelphia sports, including former Eagles coach Andy Reid, NBC10's Vai Sikahema, and Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil.
And the end of Harper's first season with the Phillies comes three years after an important milestone for LDS Church members in the region. The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple, one of 166 temples worldwide and the only one between New York and Washington, was dedicated in September 2016. It supports about 41,000 members in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Harper may not have made himself highly visible in Philadelphia's Latter-day Saints community, but leaders and members are encouraged nonetheless by his presence. There's no denying the power of Harper's reach to spread messages, including about his faith.
Elder Milan Kunz, the Philadelphia temple's incoming president, says that when someone like Harper talks, people listen.
"I spent two years in Ireland on my young mission, didn't talk to 1.6 million people in two years," he said. "Here, he can reach 1.6 million people with one post."
