Bryce Harper posts letter to Nats fans on Instagram ahead of first game in DC as member of Phillies

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Former Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper posted an online message to D.C. fans ahead of his initial visit to Nationals Park as a member of the Phillies to face his former team.

Harper was the No. 1 pick by the Nationals in the 2010 draft and played with them through the 2018 season. He signed a 13-year, $330-million contract with Philadelphia in February.

In his post, Harper recalled his 'firsts' as a National and thanked the Lerner family and Nationals general manager and president of baseball operations, Mike Rizzo.

He said he was 'blessed' to have played for the Nationals and said his D.C. area charity work will continue.

"When I run on the field tonight I am sure to hear some boos, but I will always remember the cheers and the screams that are still with me right now, as I start my new chapter," Harper wrote. "So for that, DC, THANK YOU."