Following their NLCS victory, Mookie Betts shares insights into his strong bond with Red Sox icon David Ortiz.
Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers have secured their spot in the NLDS. After defeating the San Diego Padres 2-0 in the crucial Game 5 of the NLDS, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave an emotional postgame speech to his team in the locker room.
During a live postgame broadcast on Fox Sports, Betts, a former 2018 Red Sox champion, paid tribute to Boston legend David Ortiz, as reported by Fox Sports: MLB.
Betts spoke about the significance of Ortiz’s pregame speech, stating, “It was far more meaningful than anyone can truly grasp. Making my debut with him by my side was an unforgettable experience. To me, he’s an icon, even if he doesn’t recognize that.
As we developed our relationship over time, it’s been surprising to see how it has deepened rather than faded, especially now that he’s retired while I continue to play. Typically, these connections tend to diminish after a player’s retirement, but in our case, it feels like we’ve grown closer, despite the physical distance that separates us.”
After winning his third and final World Series title in 2013, Ortiz retired just before Betts began his rookie season with the Red Sox. Despite Ortiz’s retirement, he has stayed connected to the team and has developed a strong bond with Betts, even eleven years after hanging up his cleats.
Betts shared insights into their ongoing relationship, saying, “I talk to him every couple of weeks. We make a point to check in on each other.” He emphasized how meaningful Ortiz’s calls are, especially during difficult times. “When I was really feeling down, he reached out to me. His words of encouragement were exactly what I needed. He assured me that everything would be okay and told me to just go smile.”
Betts highlighted the impact of Ortiz’s support, noting how it truly made a difference in lifting his spirits during challenging moments. Their friendship showcases the lasting bonds formed in baseball, transcending the pressures of the game.
In response to Mookie’s thoughtful message, Ortiz showed his appreciation by giving him a “my dawg” t-shirt. “You know I love you, kid,” Ortiz said warmly. “I’ve got something special for you right here.”
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