Dodgers Wear Kobe Bryant Jerseys for Batting Practice On LA Legend’s 42nd Birthday

It’s both a sad day and a happy day here in Los Angeles. While we’re reminded once again of the immense loss the city and world suffered in January when Kobe Bryant passed away in a tragic accident, we also get to see that trademark smile all over social media on what would have been his 42nd birthday. 

For Kobe and Gigi. pic.twitter.com/Ei1CsGtsuj

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— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 23, 2020

On this Sunday, the Dodgers are set to honor the NBA legend in a pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium. But, to take it a step further, the club is also supporting Kobe by wearing Bryant 24 Lakers jerseys during batting practice. Dave Roberts explained.

We’re all rocking these jerseys. Representing Kobe on his birthday, so this was in my office. I definitely love the 24 though.

The Look

Doc said this was in his office this morning and that he loves the 24. Mentioned that the whole team is representing Kobe today.

The Dodgers have a planned Bryant tribute coming up during the pregame festivities. pic.twitter.com/zvAo1UjWip

— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) August 23, 2020

Moreover, he described what Bryant meant and still means to the city of Los Angeles.

Tenacity. Consistency. Winning… just the compete and doing things the right ways and looking out and being a servant to so many people in Los Angeles and the greater Los Angeles.

Hearts sank on the morning of January 26, 2020, when news broke that a helicopter carrying Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and family friends Payton and Sarah Chester, Alyssa, Keri, and John Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and the pilot Ara Zobayan was involved in an accident. In the fallout, an outpouring of love and tributes swept the airwaves. People gathered for days at Staples Center to honor the icon. Memorials for all parties lost could be found worldwide.

And now, today on what would have been Kobe’s 42nd, the mamba mentality lives strong.

Happy birthday in paradise, mamba. It’s an honor to wear your jersey today and dedicate this day to you, Gianna and the Bryant family. #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/LdbXsyYjgD

— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) August 23, 2020

We love and miss you, Kobe Bean. Our hearts and love forever go out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

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