Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Machado wears No. 8 out of respect for Kobe in Dodgers debut

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 7/20/18

All-Star Manny Machado took to the field for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time Friday evening wearing a number familiar to fans in Southern California.

Machado announced on Friday that he’ll be wearing the No. 8 jersey as a way to pay his respects to all-time great Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Machado told me he chose #8 because it symbolizes “new beginnings” & his love for @kobebryant. Muncy told me he was never even approached about relinquishing #13. #Dodgers

— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) July 20, 2018

Coincidentally enough, Machado’s decision also has to do with former Baltimore Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. donning No. 8 during his Hall of Famer career.

But in Los Angeles, this is a completely new start for the longtime Orioles great. As he said, “new beginnings.”

The Dodgers official Twitter account tweeted a photo his No. 8 jersey shortly before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

"A new chapter as a Los Angeles Dodger begins tonight and I can't wait to get this thing going! To the Dodger faithful, I promise to give you everything I have and will try my best to not let you down! Let's go!!!!! #boysinblue." pic.twitter.com/vGkgMaa5sf
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2018

Machado had a pretty successful debut with the Dodgers, going 2-for-3 with two walks. His first hit in Dodger blue came in the first inning:

Manny's first hit as a Dodger. ☑️ pic.twitter.com/nmIKT56USK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2018

An impending free agent, it’s not yet known whether Machado will stay in Los Angeles long-term. He’s been primarily linked to the New York Yankees in free agency.

With that said, it’s readily apparent that Machado has an understanding of the Los Angeles’ sports scene and its history. That’s certainly going to endear him to fans of the blue and white.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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