The Los Angeles Dodgers have been part of the two longest World Series games in MLB history, with the most recent occurrence taking place during Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The other came in 2018, coincidentally during Game 3 of the World Series as well. Mookie Betts has been present for both of the record-setting games, despite only joining the Dodgers in 2020.
Betts was in the opposing dugout during the 2018 World Series, playing for the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox lost that game on Max Muncy’s walk-off home run, but went on to win the championship in five games.
Betts was on the winning side this time around, with Freddie Freeman playing the role of hero with a walk-off home run in the 18th inning.
During an episode of the “On Base With Mookie Betts” podcast, the Dodgers’ shortstop said the game was not an enjoyable experience on the field once he recognized where it was headed:
“From my perspective, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s going to take a homer.’ I thought it was one of the most boring 18-inning games that I’ve ever been a part of. In the playoffs. It was just a lot of fly balls, guys trying to hit homers. But that’s the beauty of it. You’ve got two great teams, two great pitching staffs.”
While the Blue Jays had 15 hits and nine walks, most of that came during the first nine innings. The Dodgers generated some traffic on the bases in extra innings but couldn’t deliver the big hit to drive in the go-ahead run. Every ball they put a good swing on died in the cold night air.
Betts has previously stated his need for brief mental reprieves in order to keep himself focused through long stretches of a game. He finds it difficult to stay continuously locked in on the game for long periods, which is partly why the 6-hour, 39-minute game felt like such a slog.
Dodgers World Series artifacts at Baseball Hall Of Fame
Of the many items from this World Series on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., there were plenty chosen from Game 3 to commemorate the story of what happened.
This includes Freeman’s bat, which was used to end the game, Will Klein’s glove from his all-time pitching performance and one of the bases from the game.
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