Up until April of last year, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger was largely only known within the sport and to those who closely followed prospects and farm systems. But he quickly became a household name.
Bellinger played his way to the Dodgers keeping him on their active roster longer than initially expected, and he went on to become a unanimous selection for the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year. Prior to that, Bellinger participated in the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game in Miami.
The 22-year-old has become a star whose spotlight extends beyond Dodger Stadium or any baseball field. Bellinger recently appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” marking his first time as a guest on a late-night talk show.
On Wednesday, Bellinger shared on Twitter that he was sent an autographed pair of the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro ‘Final Seconds’ by Lakers legend Kobe Bryant:
Thank you @kobebryant !! 😳🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/6eK1GJghJF
— CodyBellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) May 9, 2018
The sneaker is a model Bryant wore against against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of their 2006 playoff matchup. He memorably hit a game-tying layup in regulation and buzzer-beater in overtime to give the Lakers a 3-1 series lead.
It’s unclear if Bellinger, a Scottsdale, Ariz., native is a Lakers fan or simply fond of Bryant.
As two of the more storied franchises in their respective sports and as heavy favorites throughout Los Angeles, the Dodgers and Lakers often cross paths. That was furthered last year when Magic Johnson was named the Lakers’ president of basketball operations.
Prior to reporting for the start of Spring Training, Kenley Jansen, Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig were among those to take in a game at Staples Center.
Likewise, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Luke Walton have recently visited Dodger Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game.
