When they were teenagers, Norristown native Christian Walker managed to beat Bryce Harper in their home run derby, writes Matt Breen for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Years later, the two are facing off against each other once more in the National League Championship Series as Walker’s Arizona Diamondbacks take on Harper’s Phillies.

In January 2009, young Walker, then a senior at Norristown’s Kennedy-Kenrick High School, was ready to showcase his skills at the International Power Showcase.

Harper, who was the biggest draw of the event, managed to hit 11 homers in his first round, including an impressive 502-foot shot that made contact with the back wall of the stadium.

Walker didn’t let that affect his performance though, and he managed to top Harper in the championship round.

Over the years, both Walker and Harper have shown themselves to be top players in the game. Walker credits his late father’s unwavering support for helping him fulfill his childhood dream of playing professional baseball.

As Walker and Harper face off during the National League Championship Series, Harper and the Phillies have taken the lead against Walker and the Diamondbacks with two winning games so far.

The two teams are back up to bat Thursday, October 19 in Arizona.

Read more about Christan Walker and Bryce Harper in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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