Can a fan wearing a clean white jersey prompt a home run by The Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper? Superstitious super-fans believe it just might, and during the home game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 25, fans were amazed when Harper scored a game-tying home run. The Phillies went on to win the game 4-3, thanks to a single hit by Alec Bohm that scored Bryson Stott.

The power and appeal of sports merch is evident. Globally, baseball apparel is expected to have a market value of $614 million this year, according to market research firm Fact.MR. At any MLB home game in Philadelphia, you’ll see a sea of red and blue, the team colors. Although most fans have a favorite or lucky jersey, some will throw away a jersey if they wore it during a bad loss. 

“I wore a jersey on a hot day, but I wore that last game and they lost, so I figured, let’s try something new,” said one Phillies fan about choosing to wear a red T-shirt over his usual Harper jersey. 

On July 25, colorfully dressed baseball fans lined up outside Citizens Bank Park to prepare for a night of baseball and promo merch. They were clad in red and blue merch, along with hats to keep the sun out of their eyes. Since the park is an open arena, fans must dress accordingly, whether that be in a T-shirt to keep cool during the humid summer or packing a poncho in case a rainstorm interrupts the game. Inside the park, several merch stores were selling tank tops, hats and jerseys available only at the park. 

Fans enter Citizens Bank Park before the game starts. 

A couple shows their support with Bryce Harper jerseys. 

A family watches the game in matching Phillies jerseys while enjoying a hotdog and snacks.  

The Philadelphia city skyline can be seen from the park.

A fan waves her foam finger during the game.  

The sun sets over Citizens Bank Park.    

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