Mookie Betts has earned his way into the favorite category amongst Los Angeles Dodgers fans for many reasons, including his stellar play since joining the team prior to the 2020 season.
Betts has a knack for making the game of baseball look easy while also performing at an extremely high level. Now in his 10th season, the two-time World Series champion and 2018 American League MVP is having another amazing statistical year.
For the trophy case full of both team and individual awards, Betts earned another honor after he launched a solo home run in the Dodgers’ August 2 matchup with the Oakland Athletics. The second-inning blast increased their lead to 4-0 and also locked in a bet that one fan made.
Giuseppe Mancuso told Betts while in the on-deck circle that if he hit a home run, he would name his newborn daughter after the Dodgers’ All-Star.
Hey @Dodgers @mookiebetts @SportsNetLA a bet is a bet. Meet Francesca Mookie Mancuso pic.twitter.com/YftfboJeFV
— Giuseppe Mancuso (@littleragu54) August 10, 2023
Upon learning the news that Mancuso did follow-through with his promise, Betts posted a video on social media, expressing his personal account of the interaction and gratitude.
One of the coolest moments of ya boy’s entire career! Bro is a man of his word 😂👶🏼 #babymookie pic.twitter.com/rVIG4VWJVe
— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) August 15, 2023
The 436-foot home run off A’s starter Hogan Harris was a bridge to a new Dodgers fan by association, and Betts supplied the swing to tie it all together. A promise is a promise, and Francesca Mookie Mancuso will always remember how her middle name came to be.
Mookie Betts credits Dodgers teammates for overall success
Prior to the season, expectations for the 2023 Dodgers weren’t as high as last year. For one, following up a 111-win team with even more is an incredibly difficult feat.
But measuring success on topping a win total isn’t the ultimate goal, because camaraderie, cohesiveness and an ability to come together is where Betts, and his teammates have found that common driving force. A mix of veteran players and rookies have found a way to find their own niche within the clubhouse.
Betts mentioned the Dodgers “just don’t give up” when explaining why they’re performing at such a high level, and their place in the standings is a product of continued work while having fun playing the game.
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