The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Natalia Bryant, oldest daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday.
It’s going to mark a first for Natalia and opportunity to follow in her father’s footsteps. Kobe threw out the first pitch in the summer of 2000 after winning his first of five NBA championships with the Lakers.
He visited Dodger Stadium on several occasions throughout the years and most recently attended Game 4 of the 2018 World Series.
Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven additional passengers were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The Dodgers paid their respects to Kobe and Gianna on August 24, 2020.
This Kobe Bryant #Dodgers jersey comes with purchase of a special ticket pack for Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, September 1. cc: @LakersNationhttps://t.co/ekyvoorAq1 pic.twitter.com/3RqAB6MG4E
— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) July 23, 2023
Kobe’s No. 24 and Gianna’s No. 2 were written across the back of the mound, and Dodgers players stood along the foul line while wearing his Lakers jerseys. The pregame ceremony included a video narrated by Vin Scully.
For 2023 Lakers Night, the Dodgers are selling a special ticket pack that includes co-themed baseball jersey with Bryant’s No. 8 on the front and No. 24 featured on the back.
The traditional Dodgers script is across the chest, which otherwise is designed in black and yellow along with the same snakeskin theme that Bryant used when designing his Black Mamba jersey for the Lakers.
The Laker Girls are going to be in attendance as well. They were accompanied last year by team owner Jeanie Buss, along with Austin Reaves and Max Christie.
Dodgers celebrated Kobe Bryant
Also during Lakers Night in 2022, the Dodgers played a video that celebrated Bryant’s life and career. Then twice during the game, Dodgers fans broke into a “Kobe” chant. Many were dressed in Bryant Lakers jerseys and other clothing bearing his name and were shown on the video board throughout the night as well.
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