Bianka Bryant, the seven-year-old daughter of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, made a heartwarming appearance at Dodger Stadium over the weekend to throw the first pitch in honor of her father.
The touching moment took place during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 25, a date that coincided with what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 46th birthday weekend.
Bianka attended the game with her family, including her sisters Capri, 5, and Natalia, 21, and her mother Vanessa Bryant.
Dressed in a white Dodgers jersey adorned with her father’s iconic Lakers number, 24, Bianka took center stage on the field. With a pink bow in her hair, she confidently threw the ceremonial pitch, which was caught by Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts.
Vanessa Bryant shared the special moment on Instagram, posting videos and photos of the event.
The family was seen wearing custom Dodgers jerseys, each with Kobe’s number 24. Vanessa and Capri sported matching white jerseys, while Natalia opted for a black jersey, all symbolizing their late father’s legacy.
The event also included a generous gesture from the Dodgers organization. Mookie Betts presented Vanessa Bryant with a $100,000 check for the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit established in memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Vanessa expressed her gratitude on social media, writing:
“Thank you @dodgers for supporting our @mambamambacitasports foundation. L.A. Love.”
The celebration at Dodger Stadium included a special giveaway for the first 40,000 fans in attendance. Attendees received a limited-edition black jersey featuring Kobe’s number 8 and the Dodgers logo.
The jersey also featured Kobe’s initials “KB” inside a heart on both sleeves, with his last name and number 24 displayed on the back, blending his Lakers legacy with the Dodgers’ spirit.
The ceremony followed “Kobe Bryant Day,” celebrated annually on Aug. 24 (8/24) in Los Angeles and Orange County, in recognition of the two numbers Kobe famously wore during his career with the Lakers.
Bianka’s pitch marks a continuation of family tradition. Last September, Natalia Bryant also threw a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in honor of her father, kicking off a game against the Atlanta Braves. Like Bianka’s pitch, her throw was caught by Mookie Betts.
Earlier this month, the Bryant family and the Lakers unveiled a touching tribute outside Crypto.com Arena: a bronze statue of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
The statue captures Kobe hugging and kissing Gianna on the forehead, celebrating both their bond and their contributions to basketball.
During the unveiling, Vanessa Bryant shared how the statue reflects Kobe’s dedication to supporting women’s sports, including Gianna’s dreams of playing in the WNBA.
The weekend’s event was another powerful reminder of Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy and the close-knit bond shared by the Bryant family as they continue to honor his memory.
