Bryce Harper was optioned to the Hagerstown Suns, the Washington Nationals class ‘A’ squad, earlier this week. While the rookie was disappointed he didn’t get more time playing with the big boys down on the Space Coast, it didn’t take long for the Sun’s savvy marketing department to take advantage of his presence.  Before Harper’s at-bats, the Hagerstown Suns will announce:

“Now batting, Bryce Harper, brought to you by Miss Utility, reminding you to call 811 before you dig.”

It’s not hard to understand why a non-profit wouldn’t jump at this opportunity: “It’s just not possible to sponsor a player’s at bats at the Major League level, and even if it were, it would probably be out of our price range as a safety organization with a limited budget,” said Matt Ruddo, Director of Marketing for Miss Utility.

Harper is expected to make his Suns home debut on April 15 vs. the Lakewood BlueClaws. So start speculating on the various potential sponsorships that eventually will invade the Majors. You know, it’s just a matter of time. Sigh.