Bryce Harper explains why Kobe Bryant was his hero
Sunday was very likely Bryce Harper’s worst game in what’s been an otherwise scalding-hot start to the 2020 season. In an exciting victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday Night Baseball, Harper went 0-5 with three strikeouts.
Still, Sunday was a special night for the Philadelpia Phillies right fielder, as he got the chance to pay homage to Kobe Bryant, by wearing cleats and a wristband with the five-time NBA Champion’s logo.
After the game, Harper, a Las Vegas native, explained how much Bryant meant to him, on what would have been the Hall of Famer’s 42nd birthday:
Harper wearing Bryant’s logo was especially noteworthy because that logo was synonymous with the Nike shoes and clothing that Bryant endorsed. Meanwhile, Harper is a spokesperson for Under Armour, perhaps Nike’s biggest competitor.
In addition to Sunday having been Bryant’s birthday, Monday’s date is Aug. 24 (8/24), a day that’s always been filled with tributes to Bryant because he wore No. 8 and No. 24 during his illustrious career.
Bryant and eight others, including his daughter Gigi, were tragically killed in a helicopter accident this past January.
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