Of Harper’s connections to the Nationals and Washington, his most organic is with fans. He has taken photos with babies handed down from the stands by parents. He has played softball with fans on the Mall. He has taken selfies on fans’ cellphones in between innings. He has tossed autographed balls to fans during games. He has given his batting gloves to kids during batting practice.

“You never know what a guy’s feelings are going to be on the field that day or what a fan’s feelings are going to be behind the gate that day,” Harper said. “They could’ve had the worst week in the world, and you go out there and sign for a little kid or somebody and you just made their week. I always think about that in the back of my head.”

This bond developed naturally. Fans saw Harper drafted at 17, excelling at 19 and tearing through the record books at 22. They watched him mature on and off the field. Harper wants to nurture the same relationship with D.C. baseball.

“Those little kids also are the first generation that has grown in the city of D.C. and really is going to watch us for the next 20 years,” Harper said. “If he’s a 10-year-old, he grew up the last five years watching the Nats and hopefully he’ll be there the next 20, 30 years watching us still. I try to take care of them as much as I can.”

When Harper is home in Las Vegas or traveling, he said people think he is joking when he says he loves D.C. “They embrace me, and it’s all open arms,” Harper said. “I absolutely love the place.”

Harper understands his status. He prioritizes signing autographs for kids over adults. He said he enjoys shaking hands or taking selfies when meeting people on the street. He said he appreciates that D.C. fans, unlike fans in other cities, never bother him while eating at a restaurant.

“They never come up to me while I’m eating,” he said. “I respect that so much because when I’m with my family or anybody I want to eat. I want to crush. People wait until I’m done or after. People in D.C. are great.”

Even in places where he is booed and heckled — cities such as Atlanta or Philadelphia — Harper still signs autographs.

“Fans should really appreciate what he does,” former teammate and mentor Ian Desmond said. “For a superstar to spend time signing autographs before every game, that’s not every day. That’s a special attribute.”

Harper may come across as showy or brash on the field, but fans say they see the star’s genuine side off the field.

“I’ve never seen him other than professional and pleasant, especially with kids,” said Rodilosso’s mother, Kierstan Boyd. “That’s really heartening to see because baseball should be about the kids.”

“He really likes signing for kids,” Rodilosso said. “He’s a good person in general, and nice and polite.”

— James Wagner