Bryce Harper tripped over his own helmet on the way to second base

Somehow, he was safe.

Bryce Harper, one of the best players in the league, was almost undone by the thing that is supposed to protect him the most. His shield against speeding baseballs and accidents on the base paths. His best uniform buddy.

Harper’s helmet had it out for him on Wednesday, nearly costing him a double by flying off his head and tripping him up on the way from first to second. It’s actually a spectacular piece of physical comedy to break down.

The helmet technically bounces behind him first, appearing to be out of his direct path and not about to cause any trouble at all. We should actually appreciate the helmet falling off because it unleashed Harper’s glorious hair while running. A sight that is never unwelcome.

But that hair shot offers a false sense of security, as things are about to get topsy turvy at the office. It then bounces forward, gets tangled in Harper’s feet, and sends him face planting in the dirt far short of second. Luckily he has the wherewithal to get back up and barely make it to the bag before the tag gets applied. He was called out on a Rays challenge.

I would say this is a great impression of the Nationals in the ALDS but they never get to (the) second (round) successfully.