With one of the biggest tragedies to ever hit the sports world happening yesterday, it only feels right to shine a light on the passing of Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant was more than just a great basketball player, he was a cultural icon and an idol for kids across the entire globe. His work ethic and dedication to his craft transcended basketball and inspired athletes from all different sports — current and former Yankees took to social media today to share their sympathies on the heartbreaking news.
A-Rod shared his condolences in a seven tweet thread that honored the life of Kobe and his daughter GiGi.
My heart hurts so much right now. I still can't wrap my head around this. How can it be?
I learned so much from Kobe Bryant. He was naturally gifted, but had a passion for basketball like no one else I've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/72OX3Z8Sv9
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020
He followed my career and would often call to help with my health, daily routine … and would even chime in about hitting techniques. He was a role model to me, and millions around the world.
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020
He was always there. Even after our playing days, he was there for me. He attended @Jlo's last show in Vegas. He appeared on TheCorp podcast.
I last saw him a few months ago. I will remember what he told me about how much he loved Vanessa and his girls,
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020
His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was following in her Dad’s footsteps. She was kind, smart, caring and going to be a star.
Rest in peace, Kobe. Rest in peace, GiGi. My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families.
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 27, 2020
Giancarlo Stanton shared a very relatable sentiment referring to Kobe as a superhero and an idol for all kids growing up around the world.
Thank you Kobe for being a superhero to all of us kids that grew up in LA & across the world. The model of relentless work & dedication that it takes to be on top in any aspect of life
RIP😞 pic.twitter.com/A04vseEN3C— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) January 27, 2020
Big CC kept it short and sweet paying respect to the Black Mamba’s life — CC said back in 2013 that if he could switch lives with any other athlete for a day it would be Kobe.
Unreal 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/eDuqHhWnOt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) January 26, 2020
@kobebryant @CC_Sabathia just said on SportsCenter that if he could trade places with any athlete for a day, it'd be you!
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 9, 2013
Former Yankees sharing their personal sentiments on the tragic passing of Kobe and his daughter GiGi.
I’m sick I can’t believe this my idol Kobe gone too soon
— Dellin Betances (@DBetances68) January 26, 2020
Devastated by the news of Kobe Bryant. A true champion and legend, on and off the court. 🙏🏾
— Curtis Granderson (@cgrand3) January 26, 2020
Heartbreaking. RIP Kobe and Gianna. My thoughts & prayers to the entire Bryant family 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/U2wcWX7GN2
— Robinson Cano (@RobinsonCano) January 26, 2020
Even Major League Baseball as a whole took time today to pay tribute to Kobe — an LA Dodger fan who was commonly seen behind the backstop at Dodger Stadium.
We are devastated by the tragic news that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna have died in a helicopter accident.
Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and all those affected today. pic.twitter.com/MO5NuR1F5o
— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2020