Dodgers Fans Are Going to Love This Mookie Betts Quote About Playing Shortstop
The Los Angeles Dodgers are on a tear to start the season. The team sits at the top of the National League West — get used to hearing that — at 6-2. Their superstar, Mookie Betts, is playing out of his mind. Betts is putting up numbers you could only get if you play in ‘Rookie’ mode in MLB The Show.
Betts’ season-opening tear is as hot as any player will get this season, and his defense has been up to par. We knew the transition of Betts playing the infield would take time; however, the move to shortstop is something none of us expected. Ultimately, Dave Roberts and the Dodger brass felt it was necessary to move him to Gavin Lux’s right.
Many pundits and experts believe Betts can play up to par, but that’s not good enough for the seven-time All-Star. He wants to prove the doubters wrong and play above and beyond what anyone believes he can. In a recent interview with the media, including Dodgers beat writer Juan Toribio, Betts said he is striving to show the naysayers that he can play shortstop at an elite level.
“Let’s do it. I know it’s a tough challenge, but when stuff is not challenging, who has fun? For me, something that’s super is easy, that’s not fun for me. When you have the world against you, it’s like, ‘Cool, let’s go out there and do it.’”
— Mookie Betts, via MLB.com
The Boston Red Sox selected Betts as a shortstop in the 2011 MLB draft. He played the infield his entire amateur career until he reached the big leagues. The only reason he was forced onto the outfield was that the Red Sox didn’t need his service in the infield. Dustin Pedroia played second base, while Xander Bogaerts played shortstop.
Things are different now in 2024 as Betts enters his 11th season in the big leagues. It has been a while since the six-time Silver Slugger Award winner played the infield regularly. However, the 31-year-old believes in himself, and you can guarantee he will figure it out if he hasn’t yet.
“If I mess up a play, the next day you better believe I’m about to do that 100 times until I do it right. I know it’s a premium position. I know it’s a harder position. But I believe in myself that I’m going to outwork everybody. And let’s say something happens where I’m not able to do it, you can damn guarantee it wasn’t for a lack of effort.”
— Mookie Betts, via MLB.com
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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