Phillies Spring Training is upon us, but the death of Kobe Bryant last month is still fresh in the minds of sports fans everywhere.
For a pair Phillies stars, J.T. Realmuto and Andrew McCutchen, the return to the diamond this week presented a chance to join the hordes of athletes who've honored Bryant, a Philly native and Lower Merion High School alum, since his death.
McCutchen and Realmuto are both sporting Phillies-colored Kobe Bryant turf shoes, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark, who is down in Clearwater, Florida, watching Spring Training:
Wearing Kobes has united Kobe fans across the sports spectrum. This is a neat nod to the late legend.
McCutchen also shared his disbelief about the tragedy on social media back in late January, as did Rhys Hoskins and former Phillie Jimmy Rollins:
Philadelphia's sports teams have come together for a number of tributes to Bryant, including the Sixers putting on a touching pre-game tribute, Joel Embiid wearing Bryant's No. 24 during a home game, and the Eagles calling Bryant a "tremendous ambassador" for the city.
The City of Los Angeles is holding a public memorial to honor Bryant on Feb. 24.
