Top 30 athletes under 30-years-old

22 of 31

Sep 2, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Nationals defeated the Cardinals 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals – 23 years old

Similar to Sidney Crosby, Bryce Harper’s expectations were higher than the crowd at a Snoop Dogg concert. All jokes aside, Harper’s reputation had reached a legendary status before he was even drafted.

Baseball fans across the country watched clips of him on YouTube hitting baseballs more than 500 feet, and their eyes teared up.

The most alluring attribute about Harper — aside from the raw power — was his hustle. It’s easy to be a gifted hitter and collapse into the superstar role. Harper, since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2010, has given everything he has on every play.

Whether it was diving for falling line drives in the outfield or stretching a single into a double, Harper has played the game the right way. And it’s beautiful that he does.

After hitting 55 home runs in his first three seasons, some wondered whether Harper was a bust or not. He squashed that idea in 2015 with a 42-homer outburst. He still struck out 131 times, but his walks jumped to 99. He’s been way more patient at the plate, and that’s changed everything.

Pitchers used to throw junk low and away in hitters’ counts, and Harper would swing and miss. This season, Harper has let those pitches go and simply taken the free base. That’s led to more pitches up in the zone in hitters’ counts, and he’s crushed them. He’s been the Rookie of the Year, and will likely win his first MVP award this season.

The sky really is the limit for No. 34.

Next: No. 9 Russell Wilson