/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57041771/DLZrYN2U8AAcgyW.0.jpg)
Earlier this week, tragedy struck in Las Vegas as a gunman opened fire on a music festival and killed more than 50 people, injuring hundreds of others and affecting dozens upon dozens of families and communities. Including some in the sports community.
One person that took the attack to heart is Bryce Harper, a Vegas native that has offered condolences throughout the weeks to those affected by the attacks. He tweeted the morning after the attack, saying it was hard to fathom what had taken place the night before.
The pride of Vegas runs deep when you are born and raised in such a great town. I can't fathom the horrific event that has taken place! ...
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 2, 2017
He told ABC News:
"It's been pretty surreal. Just from talking to friends, talking to family that were definitely at the concert and seeing the things that have happened and transpired from that, it just goes to show how strong our community is in Vegas, how much of a small-knit community it can be."
For NLDS Game 1 on Friday night, Harper will wear customized cleats with the Las Vegas sign and a heart in order to pay tribute to his hometown. It could be a rule-breaking decision depending on how strictly MLB wants to enforce its uniform codes, but Harper made it clear that he doesn’t care about that in this instance.
#Nationals Bryce Harper will wear Las Vegas customize cleats in game 1. I asked if it violates MLB rules, Harper said "I don't care" @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/07HPyDmtTC
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) October 6, 2017
Bryce Harper cleats, a tribute to his hometown of Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/VyH7ZSfab7
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 5, 2017
During their first game playing against each other in the NLDS this year, a PSA will air of Bryce Harper and fellow Vegas boy Kris Bryant together to raise awareness about the tragedy.
In a situation like this, both players are making it clear that baseball comes second in the wake of a tragedy.