Phillies’ Bryce Harper Says MLB Fined Him for Wearing Wawa-Themed Uniform Apparel

Adam WellsOctober 3, 2024

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper’s pandering antics apparently cost him some money during the 2024 season.

Speaking to Hannah Keyser of Front Office Sports, Harper revealed Major League Baseball fined him for improper advertising stemming from his use of Wawa-themed cleats and a headband.

“Obviously I understand why,” Harper said of the fine, “but also I think kids love it.”

Harper, who didn’t specify how much MLB fined him, wore the custom cleats and headband during the Phillies’ 8-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on July 27.

Jomboy Media @JomboyMediaBryce Harper is wearing a custom Wawa headband and cleats tonight pic.twitter.com/F8gZMabTRC

The level of detail in the cleats is impressive because they included a barcode with “Gottahavea Harper” as an homage to the company’s slogan of “Gottahava Wawa.”

Wawa, for those who don’t know, is a convenience store chain that originated in the Philadelphia metropolitan area with headquarters located in Delaware County.

Since signing with the Phillies as a free agent in March 2019, Harper has taken his duties as the face of the franchise very seriously. He has been accused of going overboard with his pandering to Philadelphia, but it’s actually endearing to see a superstar player who wants to connect to fans in the city.

Harper can more than afford whatever fine MLB gave him. He is in the sixth year of a 13-year, $330 million contract that runs through the 2031 season.