Before Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper burst into the Major Leagues as a 19-year-old in 2012, he was a 17-year-old freshman at the College of Southern Nevada where he was the team’s catcher and leading hitter. Playing in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Harper hit 31 home runs, had 98 RBI and batted .443 in only 66 games. His home run total of 31 shattered the previous school record of 12. All of this was done using wooden bats as part of the SWAC and setting the path for his eventual move to the Majors and being the eventual Number 1 selection by the Nationals in 2010.

      Offered is the catcher’s mask used by Harper during his only season in college. This navy blue I-Bar Vision mask displays heavy game use with various scuff marks, dried dirt and sweat stains on the padding. There are also heavy marks on the rear support straps including fraying caused by the Velcro straps. This mask has been photo-matched to the 2010 JUNCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. Harper signed his name in silver marker on the inside forehead padding of the mask and inscribed “LUKE 1:37”. Also included with this lot is the book “The Last Natural” by Rob Miech, who signed and inscribed “RYAN, I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE MASK AND THIS BOOK. THIS KID IS A SPECIAL TALENT”. The book is the story of Harper’s junior-college experience and is how Miech obtained the mask. Harper’s signature comes with a full LOA from JSA (Y37498).

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