Mike Trout officially joined the Kobe Bryant retirement party.
Trout honored Bryant before the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s final game Wednesday by busting out special batting gloves and cleats. The Los Angeles Angels outfielder even wore the purple-and-gold batting gloves during his game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum.
Here's a closer look at @MikeTrout's @kobebryant tribute gear for pregame 👀 #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/peFZUck7QG
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 13, 2016
Here's Mike Trout's Kobe tribute gear for pregame. pic.twitter.com/lgHXkzJA8E
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) April 13, 2016
Looks like Trout is actually wearing the gloves in the game. Can't wear the shoes because of MLB uniform rules.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) April 13, 2016
Mike Trout rocking Purple and Gold batting gloves for Kobe #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/gc2RsbwZ9V
— Jason K (@JK4D7) April 13, 2016
Trout’s Kobe-inspired batting gloves feature both a No. 8 and a No. 24 (the two numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year NBA career). They also have “MVP” inscribed on both wrists, which could be a reflection of Bryant’s 2008 MVP season with the Lakers and/or Trout’s 2014 MVP season with the Angels.
Just think. If Trout continues down his current path, athletes across all sports might someday pay tribute to him with such fancy gear.
Thumbnail photo via Kelvin Kuo/USA TODAY Sports Images
