Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs the bases during a game against the San Francisco Giants on May 21, 2021, at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kyodo News/Sipa USA)
All you need to know whether if Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts will be playing in the 2023 Home Run Derby.
Mookie Betts, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a starting pitcher for the National League All-Star Game in 2023, will take part in this year’s Home Run Derby. On Thursday, Betts provided confirmation of the report and added that his mother had instructed him not to come in last place.
This makes Betts the third batter to announce that he will be competing in the Derby alongside the other eight competitors this year. Julio Rodriguez, who plays outfield for the Seattle Mariners, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who plays first base for the Toronto Blue Jays, have both stated that they intend to compete. T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, which is serving as the venue for this year’s All-Star game, will make Rodriguez the fan favorite among the locals.
The previous week, Betts stated that he would participate in the Derby as long as he was selected for the All-Star team. After finally being selected for the All-Star Game for the seventh time in his career, Betts will participate in the Derby for the very first time now that he has been selected.
This season, Betts is slugging heading into the games scheduled for Thursday.513 runs scored, including 20 home runs in 76 games played. He has 233 home runs for his career, and he has averaged 32 home runs per 162 games played over the course of his 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. Betts is listed as having a height of 5 feet 9 inches and a weight of 180 pounds, which will make him one of the smallest Derby participants in history; however, the power is unrivaled.
Mookie Betts was drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2011. He was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the fifth round of the MLB Amateur Draft. His college and school career played a crucial role in shaping him into the exceptional player he is today. Betts attended John Overton High School in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time there, he excelled in both baseball and basketball. As a standout athlete, he garnered attention from college recruiters and professional scouts alike.
After graduating from high school, Betts committed to attend college at Tennessee Technological University. However, the allure of professional baseball led him to forego his college commitment and sign with the Boston Red Sox after being drafted. Betts quickly ascended through the Red Sox’s minor league system, showcasing his exceptional skills and versatility on the field. He played primarily as a second baseman but demonstrated the ability to excel at multiple positions. His exceptional performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues, and he made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in June 2014.
During his time in the MLB, Betts has established himself as one of the premier players in the game. He is known for his exceptional athleticism, speed, defensive prowess, and offensive prowess. Betts has won multiple Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding fielding skills and has been named an All-Star numerous times. He has become an integral part of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.
In 2018, Betts played a crucial role in leading the Boston Red Sox to a World Series championship. He had a stellar season, earning the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Betts consistently ranks among the league leaders in various statistical categories, including batting average, home runs, stolen bases, and runs scored. Off the field, Betts is also highly regarded for his charitable efforts. He has been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors and is known for his commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
Read More:
Follow our dedicated page for MLB for instant news and updates.