On Sunday, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II put a smile on a lot of little leaguers’ faces.
During the ninth annual MLB Little League Classic, the Braves defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2. In the last inning, Harris stepped up and delivered for the fans. Throughout the game, players from the Little League World Series wanted to see Harris launch a home run, and he answered the call.
“They said it before every at-bat, and I let them down,” Harris said after the game. “So eventually I had to do it, and I’m glad it happened at that time.”
Michael Harris Hits Frist Bro Bomb In MLB Little League Classic
Harris became the first Braves player to hit a home run during the Little League Classic.
“It’s always cool to be the first to do something,” he said. “I just keep telling myself to simplify against the tougher lefties and look for one part of the plate. … I just put my best swing on it.”
The home run was his 21st of the season, which set a new career-high for the 25-year-old. Braves manager Walt Weiss enjoyed the experience playing in the Little League Classic.
“I thought it was crazy. I think it’s a good event for everybody involved,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I think it’s a reminder for the big leaguers why they started playing the game. The stakes are high, the pressure’s high. Sometimes you need those reminders of why you started to play the game. I think today is a perfect example of that.”
Michael Harris II: Walt Weiss Elevates Dynamic MLBbro To Middle Of The Atlanta Braves Lineup
Atlanta Braves Leading NL Central
The Braves are currently holding the top spot in the National League Central Division. The Philadelphia Phillies are not far behind, as it will be a battle between the two teams to see who pulls away with the division.
Harris has been a catalyst for his team all season and has produced in the field and at the plate.
Through 125 games, he’s hitting .294 with 71 RBI and has a .493 slugging percentage. Harris currently leads his team in batting average and is second in RBI. There’s no question that Harris has proven himself as one of the best in the league this season.
Michael Harris II is batting .301 with four bro bombs and 15 RBI in his last 15 games
Harris Playing All-Star Caliber Ball
And though he wasn’t selected for this year’s All-Star Game, he’s still playing like an All-Star-caliber player. He has had some impressive performances this season. In May, he put together two four-hit performances.
He also came up clutch off the bench as well back in May when he launched a home run late in the game against the Rockies to spark a comeback and help his team secure a win.
“This was a game they got out on top early, and we just fought back,” Harris said. “This is the team we’ve been all year, kind of believing in each other, and pretty much used everybody tonight to get it done.”
Harris will be an important piece for the Braves throughout the remainder of the season, and if he can continue to produce on offense and defense, Atlanta will have a good shot at making a deep run in the postseason.
