Bryce Harper does not care about your participation trophy.
The Washington Nationals right fielder slammed the idea of getting a prize just for participating while speaking to a group of little leaguers this past weekend.
“As much as they might tell you, 'Oh, it’s O.K. that you lost today.' No, Johnny,” said Harper, “No participation trophies, O.K.? First place only. Come on.”
The little leaguers seemed to take this advice pretty well -- their parents even laughed and applauded.
Other professional athletes have come out against the trend of giving out awards just for showing up, including DeAngelo Williams of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams tweeted on May 11 that he took away his daughter’s participation ribbons. The next event, he said, she won first place.
Another Steeler, James Harrison also took away his children’s participation trophies because “everything in life should be earned.” Parenting win!
Participation trophies for young athletes have been a recent hot topic of debate. Some argue the practice reinforces an entitlement mentality and disincentivizes hard-work. A Stanford researcher even claimed it can prevent children from developing the skills necessary to cope with failure. Some even blame participation trophies for the widespread “entry level syndrome” among young adult millennials who are dissatisfied with starting at the bottom.
As for Bryce Harper, he's not just talk. The National has a batting average of .337 this season. It is also clear that he takes the game very seriously. On Memorial Day weekend, Harper charged at Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland after being hit with a 98-mph fastball.
As legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”