Up against deadline

After navigating their way through the usual fun-and-game negotiations with uber-agent Scott Boras, the Washington Nationals wait until the final minutes before the signing deadline 14 years ago today to get the autograph of the draft’s first overall pick, 17-year-old outfielder Bryce Harper, on a five-year contract worth $9.9 million.

Harper makes a pit stop on City Island with the Class AA Harrisburg Senators in 2011 on his way to an All-Star start to his career in the majors with the Nationals and now the Philadelphia Phillies.