Although Kobe Bryant is a Lakers legend, his love for the Los Angeles Dodgers was recognized all through the nation. There are lots of photos and pictures of him rooting for his favourite MLB staff, which additionally represents the town he beloved a lot. However even past the grave, Kobe Bryant retains serving to the groups that signify his spirit. Because it seems, Bryant was already conscious of Shohei Ohtani’s unbelievable skills again in 2017. He knew sufficient about Shohei to document a message three years earlier than his premature passing, asking Ohtani on to develop into a Dodger. This was the ace beneath the staff’s sleeve, one which they used with excellent timing and as a useful resource that may persuade Ohtani. A pice of footage the Dodgers requested Kobe to movie when Ohtani was about to reach to Main League Baseball from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters that did wonders in 2023.
Shohei Ohtani dons Dodgers jersey and cap for first time, new period begins
Shohei Ohtani felt chills when he noticed Kobe say his title
In line with ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Ohtani sawthe video and immediately understood how essential it was for the Dodgers’ management to lure him to the staff. That they had been sitting on this video for the final six years the place Kobe straight talks to the Japanese phenom and pitches him the concept to play for the staff he adores. Ohtani reportedly stated: “That was one of many highlights of the entire thing. I used to be actually shocked to see it. It was a powerful and touching message.” A message we will solely think about for now however the Dodgers can hopefully make public sooner or later. Now that Ohtani turned a part of the franchise, listening to Kobe’s pitch that helped persuade him must be recognized by all people and a part of the historical past books.
Kobe Bryant had that visionary side to his character, he dipped his toes in as many sports activities as he might. You may wax poetic with him for hours about European soccer, MLB, and even the NFL. The person was a sports activities icon with huge information that turned evident to Ohtani when he noticed that video. However extra importatly, Kobe Bryant was at all times a champion for Los Angeles’ sports activities scene and one of many metropolis’s most essential embassadors. If Ohtani was leaning to play for the Toronto Blue Jays at any level within the negotiations, they Kobe video should’ve performed a key position in making him recosider his selection. Effectively performed Dodgers, properly performed.
