Bryce Harper Philadelphia Phillies Fans Bench Park Philly Red

Bryce Harper was asked to describe what it's like to play in Philadelphia and he answered perfectly as only Bryce can.

“I don't think you can do that. I don't think you can truly describe it until you actually live it and understand what it's about. And I think the message last year was, “If you don't get it, we don't get it.” I don't want you here… It's passionate, it's hard, it's a lot of fun.

“I can’t imagine playing anywhere else, it’s the best place to play. Of course people talk about other places and things like that, but there's nothing else I would ever want to play in front of or play for or anything like that. “It's the best fan base in all of sports. Everyone sees this and everyone will see this on Saturday when the bank is in the red.

Harper was asked if Phillies owner John Middleton told the team he wanted his (bleeping) trophy back during the NL East victory celebration.

“John is right, I think we all want the trophy,” Harper said Thursday. “Obviously he wants it in a different way… As a team we see it as a challenge and we want that too. I think the pressure is always there, especially when you play in Philadelphia.”

The 31-year-old Harper just completed his sixth regular season with the Phillies, slashing .285/.373/.525 with 42 doubles, 30 home runs and 87 RBI.

On Saturday, Harper begins his third postseason with the club and is looking to add to his historic playoff resume for the Phillies. Harper is tied with teammate Kyle Schwarber for the franchise record for postseason home runs with 11.

Harper is hitting .324/.432/.705 with a 1.137 OPS in 30 postseason games with numerous exciting and memorable moments. Only Lenny Dykstra has a better playoff OPS for the Phillies, and Dykstra has only played 12 postseason games.

“I feel good, I feel ready to go,” Harper, who was ailing late in the regular season, said Thursday. “Mentally and physically I feel ready to tackle this thing on Saturday.”