When the Los Angeles Dodgers completed their blockbuster trade for Mookie Betts and David Price, it again made it clear the organization remained committed to ending their World Series drought. Then came an unprecedented season, but Betts and the Dodgers achieved their goal.
After winning the National League West for an eighth consecutive year, the Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the best-of-three Wild Card Series that was introduced as part an expanded postseason in 2020.
Then came a sweep of the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series before needing to come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series. The Dodgers capped off their postseason run by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games in the World Series.
Betts far and away exceeded expectations throughout October to win his second career title. After doing so with the Dodgers, he shared a celebratory video that was narrated by L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
THE JOB IS FINISHED!!!!! This one's for you LA – the City of Champions! Enjoy the hell out of it, but you know these boys aren't done chasing rings!!! pic.twitter.com/rifShjVtke
— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) October 28, 2020
Betts and Bryant had a relationship through Body Armor that predated the trade between the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. After Bryant’s tragic accident, Betts revealed the two had recently talked on the phone and had plans to meet in L.A.
While not to the same extent as the Lakers, the Dodgers were impacted by Bryant’s passing. Several players spoke about being inspired from his relentless drive to win championships. The Dodgers honored Bryant and his daughter Gianna in August, and Betts shared his own message after that Sunday afternoon game.
Mookie happy to accomplish goal with Dodgers
There was no hiding the notion Betts was viewed as the missing piece for the Dodgers to win the World Series. It was an expectation he embraced and was proud to accomplish in his first season.
“It just means everything,” Betts said after winning the World Series. “I was traded for to help get us over the hump. I used that as my fuel. Since Day 1 that’s obviously been the goal, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
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