Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia throws out first pitch at Dodgers game
The late NBA star’s oldest daughter Natalia was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Dodgers game.
Lakers legend Kobe Bryant spent most of his youth in his hometown Philadelphia and was a self-confessed Mets fan but that all changed a soon as he touched down in Los Angeles. In LA, he decided to support the Dodgers, who have the same city as their headquarters.
The sports world was shocked and saddened when Kobe died alongside his daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter accident in January 2020, and with it leaving a legacy written in letters gold for the world of the NBA.
His relationship with the Dodgers began when the MLB team invited him to throw out the first ball before the game against the San Diego Padres on 27 June 2000. Then aged just 21 and after just four seasons with the Lakers, Kobe was treated to an ovation at Dodger Stadium.
Daughter’s turn
His eldest daughter Natalia was the special guest ahead of this weekend’s game between the Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves. At 20 years old, she is almost the same age as her father was went he memorably stepped out onto the rubber at at Dodger Stadium almost a quarter of a century ago. Natalia emulated her father by throwing out the first ball for “Lakers Night” at the stadium.
“Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” Natalia said of her father at an event back in May. Kobe would be proud of her.