Harper vs. Strickland: Round 3

       On Memorial Day 2017, Hunter Strickland delivered a 98 mph heater outside of the strike zone towards Bryce Harper's back.  Harper jumped out of the batter's box, but couldn't move away fast enough and was beaned on the hip.  The fans cheered, Harper charged the mound, and punches were thrown.  The dugouts cleared and a team versus team brawl ensued.
     The pitch's intent was clear to everyone including Harper, Strickland's teammates, and the fans.  In the 2014 playoffs, Harper's Washington Nationals and Strickland's San Francisco Giants faced off in the National League Division Series. In game 1, Harper hit a moonshot off Strickland.  He watched the ball sail and had no doubt it was gone.  In game 3, an elimination game for the Nationals, Harper hit another no-doubt home run off Strickland.  He flipped his bat and took his time rounding the bases while glancing at Strickland to show him off.  Strickland's Giants won the match up and went on to win the World Series, while Harper and the Nationals were sent home.  Two seasons later and all thought it was settled.
     Many raised an eyebrow after the incident.  It is common for pitchers to intentionally throw at a player as a sign of vengeance, but why do it years after?  Harper is known as a flashy, charismatic player, though he has earned it through being one of the best sluggers in the league ever since his rookie year. Surely, it was nothing personal.  Harper's emotions got the best of him during his very second playoff appearance ever.  Strickland clearly took offense and continued to hold a grudge for years until he had his chance for payback a week ago.
     I believe that Strickland should never had thrown at Harper. Was there bad blood between the two?  Yes, but to begin with, Strickland should never had thrown a pitch down the heart of the strike zone to the sport's deadliest hitter - twice.  The root cause of all this also happened in the 2014 playoffs, 3 years ago.  Harper has gained superstar status and is predicted to sign a multi-year contract north of 200 million when he enters free agency.  Strickland, however, is still not guaranteed to be in the major league team at the end of the season and isn't considered to be a big piece in the Giants team. Though both players were suspended for 4 and 6 games, respectively, Harper's actions were rightfully justified.

Moral of the story: don't get offended when you make mistakes on the mound and give up home runs to one of the strongest players in the league.