Harper designs cap for Harper's Heroes, charity seeking cure for leukemia

Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper co-announced with the New Era Cap Company a new cap that he helped to design for Harper's Heroes, a charitable organization created to raise awareness and benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

On Wednesday, Bill Adams, vice president of U.S. Sales for New Era, Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo and Harper made the joint announcement that the newly designed Harper's Heroes baseball cap will be available throughout Nats Park and all the team stores and online. Proceeds from the sale of the cap and ski hat will go to help find a cure and fund research for leukemia and lymphoma.

"I wouldn't be here without New Era and, of course, the Nationals," Harper said. "Nothing greater than seeing the kids smile every single day I do this. This is something that really hits home for me. I'm sorry. I get pretty emotional talking about it. I had a couple friends and a couple family members that had gone through it.

"When I was growing up, I never wanted to do it for the camera or for the TVs or anything like that. This was all just for me to bring the families in and see the smiles. Get them away from the every day life of that struggle. Being able to be a part of it and raise awareness. Put these hats out there for people to go out and buy and hopefully to make some money to find that cause and cure."

The navy cap was designed with Harper's input in New York City earlier this year. It has "Harper's Heroes" across the front and a curly W tab on the back. The New Era logo is on the left side. The cap retails for $25.99. There is also a grey cap available that Harper joked would be perfect for colder games in the playoffs. Preorders ship Aug. 31.