The passing of Kobe Bryant has shocked the sports world, including members of the Phillies
Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in California, first reported by TMZ and confirmed by multiple outlets.
Bryant grew up in the Philadelphia region, playing a historic career at Lower Merion High School.
A five-time champion, Bryant made 18 All-Star games, an MVP, a two-time scoring champion, and scored the fourth-most points in NBA history.
Current and former members of the Phillies organization and players across the city tweeted their condolences to Bryant’s family when news of the crash became official.
My heart hurts for Kobe and his family. Life aint fair man. This cant be
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 26, 2020
Heartbroken. The world needs people like Kobe... devastating. Wow. #MambaMentality
— Rhys Hoskins (@rhyshoskins) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/JimmyRollins11/status/1221532397688115200
https://twitter.com/BackWoodRebel39/status/1221523471106113536
https://twitter.com/ShaneVictorino/status/1221525442319925249
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant - a sad day for all of sports - Kobe was a pioneer and legendary ambassador for the game of basketball . Thoughts and prayers go out to Kobe’s family . https://t.co/kn03JPIjzb
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) January 26, 2020
First saw Kobe Bryant as a 14-y-o dominating grown men in pickup hoops at JCC on City Line. Two years later, he was the best HS player I ever saw. All my condolences to family and friends and those who knew him growing up in Lower Merion.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) January 26, 2020
Former Phillies minor leaguer Nick Rickles honored Bryant with a fitting quote from the movie Sandlot.
https://twitter.com/NickRickles/status/1221527377391443968
Sixers All-Star Joel Embiid, who didn’t play on Saturday night when Bryant was in attendance at the 76ers/Lakers game, also expressed his sadness over the news.
https://twitter.com/JoelEmbiid/status/1221526990840377344
I’ve always wanted to be like you. Not only as a player but also as a person. You represent everything that is great about sports. #RIPKobe
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) January 26, 2020
The news has rocked the entire globe, not just those who follow the NBA or sports in general. Unfortunately, Phillies fans have felt a similar pain after learning of Roy Halladay’s untimely death after a plane crash off the coast of Florida before he could see himself being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
For complete coverage on the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, be sure to follow FanSided on Facebook, Twitter, and on their main platform for the latest news as we honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the history of American sports.