Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Mookie Betts was impressed with Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late great Kobe Bryant, after she threw out the first pitch Friday night at Dodger Stadium as the team hosted the Atlanta Braves on “Lakers Night.”
Natalia, 20, pitched the ball and it only took one bounce before reaching the glove of Betts, who was the designated catcher. He was wearing Kobe’s No. 24 Los Angeles Lakers jersey over his uniform.
Vanessa Bryant’s emotional Father’s Day homage to late husband Kobe
Vanessa Bryant was also on the field for the iconic moment, along with Natalia’s younger sisters, 6-year-old Bianka and 4-year-old Capri. Lakers general manager and Kobe’s longtime agent, Rob Pelinka, was also in attendance.
Natalia and her family were all wearing Dodgers jerseys. Vanessa’s back read “Queen Mamba,” referencing Kobe’s nickname.
Betts, 30, and Natalia shared a hug smiling and laughing after her pitch. He showed a thumbs up to make sure she knw the pitch was not half bad.
Natalia Bryant following in her father’s footsteps
Kobe threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium in 2000 and his daughter is doing the same over two decades later.
Dodgers and Braves fans made the moment even more memorable for Natalia as they joined forces to chant “Kobe” as she stepped on the mound.
The Dodgers organization also donated $100,000 to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, named after Gianna Bryant, Natalia’s younger sister.
Gianna, Kobe and seven other passengers were killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Los Angeles nearly four years ago.
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