Dodgers: Former LA Outfielder Joc Pederson Honors Kobe Bryant with Cubs

Dodgers fans will always hold a special place in their hearts for Joc Pederson. So much so that when he hit a Spring Training homerun with his new team, most LA fans online were ecstatic to see him thriving. 

As it turns out, Joc still holds Los Angeles close to his heart. When asked about his jersey number that he chose when coming to the Cubs, Joc linked it back to LA. In his time with the Dodgers, he got the chance to meet late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, and those moments stuck with him. 

The former Dodgers outfielder now wears number 24 to honor Kobe. 

I think 24 was available so I think that because of Kobe it was kind of a no-brainer for me to wear 24…I was fortunate I got to meet him a couple of times. Talking to him about how he viewed basketball and the details that went into practice and film and all that was pretty eye-opening. Even competing in practice and his demeanor towards hat was understanding why he was as good as he was. 

Pederson wore number 31 in his 7 years with the Dodgers while also sporting number 65 in his first call-up. Joc hit some huge homeruns and some of the most clutch postseason hits in franchise history in his time with the team. Ultimately, he signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs to become (hopefully) an everyday outfielder. There is a mutual option for a second year. 

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