The 2020 Major League Baseball season reached its halfway point for most teams, and so far another shutdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not been required.
The season thus far has to be considered a success for the Los Angeles Dodgers as not only do they have the best record in all of baseball, but they also have not had any coronavirus cases since Opening Day.
While there have been a few outbreaks around the league, so far the protocols in place have proven to be effective. It certainly has been an unusual season though as games are being played without any fans in stadiums.
There was hope that would change later this season, but 2021 would appear to be more likely. Whenever that time arrives, Mookie Betts posted a video encouraging fans to continue washing their hands and wearing masks so everyone can get past this pandemic and get back to filling up stadiums for games on a nightly basis.
Important message from @mookiebetts. pic.twitter.com/lT3AuCc3io
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 26, 2020
The Dodgers acquired Betts this offseason and to this point, it has been a perfect pairing as he has been one of the best players in the league.
Unfortunately, fans have not had the opportunity to see him in person yet though. While it is not something he thinks about regularly, Betts will be excited when he finally gets to show off his skills in front of 50,000-plus fans at Dodger Stadium.
“We talked about it early on in the season, but now we’re not thinking about it. We have to focus on the task oat hand, and that’s winning games,” he said. “When the time comes, I’ll definitely be super excited but it’s not here right now.”
It’s no secret that playing in L.A. comes with some pressure, although Betts is not worried about it. “I don’t really think about the pressure aspect. It’s definitely there,” he acknowledged.
“I’m not going to necessarily say it’s not there, but I’m just embracing it. I’m going in, playing my game, doing what I always do. Not trying to do more, not trying to do less. What I’ve always done has gotten me to this point so I just continue to do it.”
Roberts excited for fans to see Betts play in person
The impact that Betts makes on games on a nightly basis cannot be rivaled by many players in the league. He does it offensively, defensively and on the basepaths, making him truly one of the most complete players in baseball.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also recently expressed his excitement for fans to see what he has to offer in person.
“I think he would have about 40,000 No. 50 Dodgers jerseys at Dodger Stadium. I will say that because they don’t get to see him in person every day, you just can’t appreciate what he does,” Roberts said.
“Running out to his position, on the bench talking to his teammates, making plays, the jumps on the baseball and the ground he really covers, and obviously how his teammates react when he gets a base hit or homer, and how he reacts to the success of his teammates.
“You’re also seeing a little bit of what he’s doing in the community, immersing himself in Compton and telling people this is his home and he wants to do them right. That’s one of the reasons I’m bummed we don’t have fans is they can’t appreciate him on a daily basis.”
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