During his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mookie Betts showed why he is one of the best defenders in all of baseball. He was responsible for a plethora of web gems, making highlight-reel catches and throwing out runners on the basepaths with ease.
Just over a week into the regular season, Betts threw his name in the ring for one of best plays all year by nailing the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte on his attempt to stretch a double into a triple.
Marte was already rounding second base by the time Betts got to the ball down the right-field line, but the five-time Gold Glove Award winner fired a missile to Corey Seager at third to throw him out.
According to Statcast, Betts’ throw traveled 302 feet on a line, making it the farthest throw of the 2020 MLB season.
302 feet on a line!!! This @MookieBetts throw was the farthest of the 2020 season according to Statcast powered by @GoogleCloud. pic.twitter.com/oCjm2gOm4O
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 14, 2020
Betts’ throw to nab Marte at third was his first outfield assist with the Dodgers. “It was pretty impressive,” manager Dave Roberts said at the time.
“I remember another play he made against the Astros, that Tony Kemp play down the line. I think that really allowed Tony (Gonsolin) to settle in. That’s over 300 feet in the air, on a dime. Whether it’s the glove, the bat, the arm, I guess that’s why he’s wearing gold out there.”
Betts explained he was aware of the speed Marte possesses. “I knew it was a sure double. I know he has speed, so a possible triple,” Betts said.
“I tried to get there as fast as possible and I saw he was about to round second to go to third. It didn’t look like he was slowing down, so I knew I needed to get rid of it quick. Fortunately I was able to put a good throw together.”
Betts recognized for elite defensive play
Earlier this offseason, Betts took home his fifth consecutive Gold Glove Award. His 11 defensive runs saved this past season were 10 more than any other qualified National League right fielder.
Betts also led players at his position in UZR (6.0) and Def (3.7). He additionally won a Fielding Bible Award for his defensive work this year, along with Kiké Hernandez.
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