1992 Bala Cynwyd Middle School Yearbook Signed by Kobe Bryant
 
 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. 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 important 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 has been thought 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.
 
There has only been 1 other that has come to market and sold for over $30,000 to a Kobe collector which will likely never see the market again.
 
 This yearbook comes with a full letter from PSA and a letter of provenance from Trish Valerie, who was the recipient of Kobe’s signature and inscription on her yearbook.