Bryce Harper wore vibrant green Phillie Phanatic cleats for his debut

Since signing his colossal $330 million deal to become the new face of the Phillies, Bryce Harper has said and done all the right things to endear himself to fans in Philadelphia – from changing his number out of respect for Roy Halladay, to using the Fresh Prince theme as a walk-up song.

Harper and the Phillies opened the season Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, and Harper wore a pair of neon green cleats to pay tribute to… the Phillie Phanatic.

Harper showed up to the ballpark wearing a shirt featuring the Phanatic and beloved Flyers mascot Gritty.

A recent amendment allows players a bit more freedom to wear custom on-field gear. Commissioner Rob Manfred said in the offseason that the league wants to allow players to “express their individuality.”

Via USA TODAY Sports:

“Among other things, MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to eliminate the previous rule that the majority of a Player’s on-field footwear must be in his Club’s designated primary shoe color. Instead, Players may wear shoes displaying any of the following colors, in any proportion: (i) black, white, and gray; (ii) any colors displayed on the Player’s uniform (and certain variations thereof); and (iii) any additional colors designated by the Player’s Club.”

Harper grounded out in his first plate appearance, but he’s earned enough goodwill that fans likely won’t boo him should he go hitless against the Braves.