Though not participating in the World Series Game 3 as a player, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts made the trip to Arizona for Game 3 in a different role – as a special correspondent covering the Fall Classic for MLB’s social media channels. Clad in street clothes rather than uniform, Betts was spotted all around Chase Field, fulfilling his reporting duties. Topping it off was his interaction with Arizona Diamondbacks rookie.
As part of his behind-the-scenes access, Betts sat down with 2023 Roberto Clemente Award winner Aaron Judge during the Yankees slugger’s media availability. Betts got to ask Judge a question, flipping the script from their usual roles as star players. Betts also visited the field at Chase Field, where he was photographed with a big smile chatting up Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll.
Mookie Betts and Corbin Carroll have a chit-chat
Mookie Betts’ playful presence around Chase Field during the World Series understandably elicited mixed reactions from some Dodgers fans online. After all, Betts and the Dodgers were eliminated by the Diamondbacks at in the NLDS just a few weeks ago. And just one week ago, Betts had already transitioned into his offseason hobby of professional bowling.
So seeing Betts back on a baseball field chatting up players rather than competing himself stirred up vocal responses from loyal Dodgers supporters. But despite their team not advancing, it was nice for fans to see the 2018 AL MVP back around the game with his signature smile and charm on display as a World Series media correspondent.
A tweet from FOX Sports: MLB read, “Mookie Betts with some pregame words to the rookie Corbin Carroll before WS Game 3” However, the exact words of Betts communicated to Carroll are not known.
Mookie Betts with some pregame words to the rookie Corbin Carroll before WS Game 3 pic.twitter.com/pDzdUPydvT
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2023
After getting eliminated from the World Series, the 7x All-Star made the most of this unanticipated offseason opportunity. Betts showcased his upbeat personality and passion for the sport through a different World Series lens.
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Mookie Betts’ perspective: A new lens for evaluation
During the Dodgers’ shocking NLDS loss to the Diamondbacks earlier in October, star outfielder Mookie Betts endured an uncharacteristic slump. For the first time in his acclaimed postseason career, Betts failed to record a single hit in the series, going 0-11 at the plate. The lifeless showing was an anomaly for Betts, who entered this year’s playoffs with a .251 career postseason batting average and .710 OPS across 58 hits. But the usually dependable Betts couldn’t get anything going against Arizona, epitomizing the Dodgers lineup’s broader struggles.
In his first career Playoffs. Alek Thomas has as many homeruns as Mookie Betts has in his postseason career. Mookie has made the playoffs 7 times pic.twitter.com/5y8ujTC4i0
— CamIsMoney (@CamIsMoney18) October 22, 2023
No doubt the spirited 31-year-old will be determined to bounce back in 2024 after this year’s playoff disappointment. Betts has entertained crowds with his exceptional play for over a decade. Though some may point fingers after the NLDS upset, Betts has showcased resiliency throughout his career.
Talking to Mookie Betts before a playoff game is possibly the worst thing you could do https://t.co/jTFvVHXdvX
— Boston Sports Enjoyer (@DeversEnjoyer) October 30, 2023
As the competitive spark plug heads into the offseason, Betts will focus on the preparations to reclaim his MVP-caliber form next season. With his infectious energy and generational talent, expect Betts to silence any doubters and drive the Dodgers back to October glory.
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The post “Possibly the Worst Thing”: Diamondbacks Rookie Corbin Carroll Interacts With ‘Postseason Choker’ Mookie Betts, Game Ends as Expected appeared first on EssentiallySports.