When we wrote the story a few days ago about teen phenom Bryce Harper we got a comment calling him a douche. That loyal reader may have been right on the money about him, or maybe just about his parents. The 16 year old will be skipping his junior and senior years at high school to attend a community college in his home state of Nevada. His father cites his need for a challenge as the main reason.
Now, while you read that I hope you realize that this is a 16 year old skipping two years of high school not college because of his talents. After his year at community college he would be draft eligible and all signs point to the Washington Natinals picking him with the number one pick again next year. Isn't that enough to stop him from skipping out on high school. Why would you want to be picked by the Gnats? But then again, it is very possible that they will be picking number 1 for years to come.
Anyways, Bryce who hit just over .600 as a sophomore would be missing out on important maturity and social skills by skipping on high school. Plus, I'm sure the kid has some friends? Sure, he won't get pitched to much but there are other things he can improve on. Like ummmm, defense,? I doubt the 16 year old is a polished catcher ready to play in the bigs defensively. Yes, this kid is an unbelievable talent but he and his family would be foolish to skip him through to community college. Don't they realize most teen phenoms don't turn out like Tiger Woods? In 6 years when he has arm trouble and can't hit a big league curveball he'll regret trading the high school diploma for a "high school equivalent". Or I'm completely wrong and this kid is ready now. I just think patience wouldn't hurt, maybe only help.
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