In a poignant tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, his daughter Natalia Bryant took center stage at Dodger Stadium on Friday night, delivering a memorable first pitch before the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Atlanta Braves. The emotional event unfolded as the Lakers, the NBA franchise where Kobe achieved iconic status, paid homage to the basketball legend.
Natalia, a 20-year-old student at the University of Southern California, stood proudly on the mound and tossed the ceremonial first pitch. The ball gracefully bounced once before landing securely in the glove of Dodgers’ All-Star Mookie Betts, who sported Kobe’s No. 24 jersey over his uniform. A heartwarming moment followed, as Natalia embraced Betts, and the significance of the evening resonated with the crowd.
Joined by her mother, Vanessa Bryant, and younger sisters, 6-year-old Bianka and 4-year-old Capri, the Bryant family donned Dodgers jerseys, creating a unified and touching visual tribute. Vanessa’s jersey bore the words “Queen Mamba” on the back, a nod to Kobe’s enduring nickname. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was also present, underscoring the tight bond between the Lakers organization and the Bryant family.
The remembrance at Dodger Stadium held particular significance, considering the tragic helicopter crash in 2020 that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others. The Dodgers and Braves paid homage to the basketball legend and his enduring impact on the city of Los Angeles.
The pre-game rituals echoed with tradition as Bianka, with her mother and sisters by her side, enthusiastically declared, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” The stadium came alive with chants of “Kobe! Kobe!” as both teams lined up along the base paths, and the Dodgers players donned Lakers jerseys in a show of solidarity.
Vanessa, joined by her daughters, greeted the crowd with a blown kiss during the family’s introduction. Natalia, carrying her youngest sister, stood alone on the field, absorbing the touching moments, including a slide show showcasing her father’s visits to the Dodgers clubhouse.
Natalia’s participation in the first pitch ceremony mirrored her father’s own involvement in 2000, showcasing the continuation of Kobe’s legacy through his family. The Bryants settled into the owners’ box to watch the game, with Bianka eagerly leaning over the fence for an unobstructed view.
As a special tribute, fans who purchased a designated ticket package received a black jersey featuring the Dodgers’ emblem and No. 8 on the front, along with Bryant and No. 24 on the back – symbolic of the numbers Kobe wore throughout his illustrious 20-year career in Los Angeles.
In a gesture of philanthropy, the Dodgers presented a $100,000 check to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Vanessa Bryant that supports underserved athletes by providing funding and sports programming.
The postgame festivities included a drone show designed to honor the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant, ensuring that the evening at Dodger Stadium served as a heartfelt tribute to the basketball icon, father, and philanthropist who left an indelible mark on the city and the world of sports.