The Harrisburg Alumni Association

Bryce Harper during his time with the Washington Nationals

Busy week 10 years ago (2015) for the Harrisburg Senators’ alumni association.

Two days after long-ago Harrisburg catcher Jeff Banister is named the American League’s 2015 manager of the year for his outstanding work with the Texas Rangers, former Senators outfielder Bryce Harper 10 years ago today is named the unanimous choice as the National League’s Most Valuable Player.

No great surprise, either, after Harper hits .330 for the Washington Nationals in 2015 with 42 homers and 99 runs batted in.

Jeff Banister with the Texas Rangers

Harper’s 42 homers tie Colorado’s Nolan Arenado for the most in the National League, while his 118 runs scored lead the league, and his .460 on-base percentage and .649 slugging percentage are the best in the major leagues.

Harper, then just a month after turning 23, receives all 30 first-place votes, to become the youngest unanimous selection in history.

He also becomes the third youngest player to win the NL’s MVP award, trailing only Stan Musial (22 years old in 1943) and Johnny Bench (22 in 1970).

Harper is the second former Senator to be named MVP – following Vladimir Guerrero, who in 2004 wins the AL award while playing with Anaheim.

Just four years ago last night, Harper – now with the Philadelphia Phillies – wins his second MVP award after hitting .309 in 141 games with 35 homers, 84 RBIs and major league highs both in doubles at 42 and on-base/slugging percentage at 1,044.

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