BOTHELL — Mookie Betts eventually made his way back to the ballpark he used to call home after 1,425 days.
The Fenway Park crowd roared in approval when Betts took the field to start the game on Friday night. The clapping then increased in volume when Betts tipped his blue Dodgers helmet. When it was time to start playing baseball, Betts completed his first at-bat by popping out to first.
One of the Red Sox’s most dynamic players, Betts, visited Fenway Park with a lot of excitement and nostalgia but no regrets.
As you may have heard, the man who performed the following in Boston has had a pretty good life thus far. a 2018 World Series victory to cap his Most Valuable Player Award campaign; Three Silver Slugger Awards; three invitations to the All-Star Game; and four straight Gold Gloves.
Since being traded to the Dodgers, Betts has only added to his collection of awards, including a second World Series ring, three additional All-Star games, two additional Silver Sluggers, and this year’s potential to hit 40 home runs for the first time in his career.
Despite the fact that Betts’ play had not significantly improved by the time the Red Sox moved him on on the last day of Spring Training in 2020, an individual naturally develops over the course of 1,425 days.
Betts is the same, too. Betts sensed that he was recalling a different version of himself as he strode back into Fenway.
Betts remarked, “This was a unique phase in my life. And from where I’m standing today, it’s a little bit simpler for me to look back at that little boy and say, “Good job.”
The young man who made his Red Sox debut at age 21 and played the final game for his original team a week before turning 27 is now 30 and has a full life outside of sports.
Betts said he is at peace with leaving Boston, despite the fact that it will be debated in the media forever. The Red Sox made proposals to Betts over the years, but ultimately, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement.
Three months into his position as chief baseball officer, Chaim Bloom moved a five-tool great with one year left on his contract. In exchange, the Red Sox received Jeter Downs (now with the Nationals), a prospect who failed to materialize, Alex Verdugo, and Connor Wong, two players who are currently a part of their daily lineup.
Both parties take care of themselves because it’s business. So, even though it’s not always in everyone’s best interests, Betts added, “it is what it is sometimes.” I’m sporting a Los Angeles jersey. I have two children. I own a production business. I have podcasts. I love where I’m at, really. I’m extremely fortunate and joyful.
While Betts talked about certain baseball memories, he stated that the excitement he felt for the weekend came from seeing a few of the familiar faces that had made the early years of his career easier.
“The clubbies, the players, the front office, and the supporters. the individuals that park our vehicles,” Betts added. “Those are the people I recall the most, the ones that contributed to my enjoyment of my stay here. Baseball will undoubtedly continue to exist because it is what it is. It’s my responsibility. However, what made it so wonderful were the individuals here.
Betts has always preferred to blend in with his surroundings to avoid drawing notice to himself. He won’t be able to dodge the limelight, though, as there were times on Friday and there will be more during the weekend.
Mookie dislikes receiving a lot of attention. But you’re going to get it when you’re a superstar player returning to a fantastic city, said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Betts invited 30 to 40 of his closest friends to spend the weekend with him in Boston. During his Red Sox years, many of them people were constantly there, both at home as well as on the road.
I absolutely want to take advantage of these opportunities, especially for my family, said Betts. “I’m delighted everyone is having fun with it. But I’m unquestionably here to handle business.
The Dodgers began the night with a 12-game leads in the National League West and a record of 78-48. The Red Sox were 3 1/2 games out of first place in the race for the third American League Wild Card position at 68-60.
But as Betts prepared for his first at-bat, the fans showered him with praise, which he took in. That was the first order of business of the weekend.