PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper's pre-game outfit against the Diamondbacks was a Tennessee Jersey on Friday.
Harper is known to be great friends with head coach Tony Vitello. The two were even seen horseback riding in Knoxville back in January.
What brought Harper and Vitello together was not just their love for baseball, but also the realization that they share mutual friends in the baseball world. This shared connection has only strengthened their friendship over time.
In January, when asked about their relationship, Vitello said, "We've got some mutual friends in baseball. It's kind of mind-blowing. I mean the people I've been able to meet, it really tracks back to Vol fans. Kind of lifted up our program and fortunately, I ride that wave as well. It's been because of Vol fans and Peyton Manning a lot too."
Vitello even compared Harper's personality to former Tennessee baseball player Drew Gilbert saying, "I think Drew Gilbert is the perfect parallel, and I know he was a fan of watching Drew."
The outfielder also has some countryside property around Knoxville; according to the coach, he was a UT fan before the two became friends.
Tennessee baseball reposted the Phillies X post saying, "Bryce Harper, Big Orange Friday guy."
