The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted Kobe Bryant bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, tying in one of his Los Angeles Lakers uniform numbers by staging it on Aug. 8.
Vanessa Bryant, along with her daughters, Natalia, Bianka and Capri were on hand for the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
“His legacy is alive and well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Kobe. “It’s just great for the girls and Vanessa to still be a part of this. What Kobe did for the city of Los Angeles has obviously impacted a lot of us, myself.”
The Bryant family attended several games at Dodger Stadium, including during the 2018 World Series, when Kobe was memorably photographed celebrating Yasiel Puig’s dramatic home run.
Along with the Bryant family attending games, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation has partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation on community initiatives.
Capri announced #ITFDB pic.twitter.com/8sPkdblRLT
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“When he came here, he was a fan. I think he liked to watch the best players. He was a baseball fan, kind of seated in the dugout seats, locked in on pitches and things like that,” Roberts recalled.
“I’m just grateful he took the time to come here, because with his celebrity, schedule, he didn’t need to come here. But he wanted to support another Los Angeles ballclub. He was L.A. all day. This is very anticipated, and again, I give Vanessa and her family a lot of credit for continuing to work with us and partner with the Dodgers.
“It’s tough, it’s emotional.”
Friday night’s festivities included Bianka throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Freddie Freeman. Bianka also held that honor during a game in 2024. This year she was followed by Capri, the youngest Bryant daughter, announcing Vin Scully’s trademark, “It’s time for Dodger baseball” call.
Dodgers history of celebrating Kobe
Since the tragic passing of Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven additional passengers, the Dodgers have annually held some sort of celebration or recognition of the Lakers legend.
In 2020, players wore his Lakers jersey while Vin Scully narrated a tribute video. The Dodgers also have done special ticket giveaway packs and in 2023 a drone show was dedicated to Bryant’s legendary career.
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