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:

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???Mamba Forever!!!??? Not the night I would’ve hoped for in the cleats, but we won the game and my boys picked me up! That’s what it’s all bout. “The Grinch” was my favorite and that’s why I wore them. Kobe Bryant was my hero growing up. It was him and my pops. If Kobe was playing I was watching. The way he went about it was something that nobody else had. He was fiery, smart, clutch, and just better than everybody I believed. He worked his tail off each day and I tried to emulate his mentality in every sport I played. I was a horrible basketball player, but every time I would shoot hoop of course I would yell “Kobe” just like everybody in the world. He was just a flat out baller. I remember the first time I saw him live. The turn around fade away was like art. It was beautiful. He was so good on and off the court with all he did it seemed and was loved by so many including myself. Thank you so much for the amazing ride you took us all on and sharing your talent and love for the sport with all of us. We are so lucky to have watched such greatness for so long. Kobe Happy Birthday brotha and Happy Mamba Day. You are missed by so many. 8 and 24 will live on forever!!????????

A post shared by Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) on Aug 23, 2020 at 9:04pm PDT

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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