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Marlins players react to tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

Bryant’s accomplishments with the Lakers and his relentless competitiveness influenced an entire generation of athletes, including baseball players.

David Santiago/El Nuevo Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Kobe Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard and five-time NBA champion, died Sunday in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. Beyond the rings and his prolific scoring (fourth-highest career points total in league history), the Black Mamba transcended basketball, influencing an entire generation of athletes with his relentless competitiveness.

That includes Marlins players who grew up during the late 1990s and 2000s.

Jesús Aguilar, Eddy Alvarez, Lewis Brinson, Garrett Cooper, Joe Dunand, Matt Kemp, Nasim Nuñez, Miguel Rojas and Sterling Sharp were among those who immediately reacted on social media to Bryant’s passing.


On behalf of the Fish Stripes staff, my condolences to Bryant’s family and loved ones. Truly devastating.