This is a unique opportunity to peek into life of Kobe Bryant before he became an NBA legend. This yearbook dates to Kobe’s 8th grade at the suburban Philadelphia Bala Cynwyd Middle School. The 13-year-old had just returned to the United States after eight years in Europe where his father played basketball for various Italian clubs. Leaving his friends and moving to a country completely alien to him left the young Kobe bitter and resentful. Fortunately, his year at Bala Cynwyd taught him to channel his anger into basketball. This is where Kobe’s famed “Mamba Mentality” originated. Apparently, Kobe arrived at Bala Cynwyd too late to be included in the formal class pictures, however, his outgoing personality ensured his likeness would be preserved in several places throughout this yearbook. While it is not surprising that he appears in the basketball team photo and that he is featured one of the four students honored for their athletic achievement, would you believe he is also listed among the members of the school choir? Perhaps the most poignant part of this yearbook is the message he wrote for the owner, “Blossom, You are a good dancer, and very sympathetic. Love, Kobe Bryant.” It may be opined that “Blossom” was one who helped Kobe adjust to life in a new school in a new country, and he was very appreciative for that. This may also be one of, if not the, earliest examples of Kobe Bryant’s signature. The piece shows the wear and age middle school yearbooks are customarily subjected to, with edge wear and many personal notations and markings throughout. Certainly, the earliest Kobe Bryant collectible of note and a quint look at the future superstar as a young transplant trying to find his way in a new environment. This yearbook comes with a sticker from PSA/DNA (B55800) for the signature and a letter of provenance from Trish Valerie, who was the recipient of Kobe’s signature and inscription on her yearbook.

Auction Notepad