Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Admits He’s Nervous to Return to Boston

Homecomings for any athletes usually come with an array of emotions, but for current Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts, his main feeling is nervousness upon his upcoming return to Fenway Park.

The former Boston Red Sox MVP mentioned some anxious anticipation coming back to the ballpark where he first introduced himself to the national MLB stage.

“This will be my first time going back since 2019. I’m really nervous. Like, I’m really nervous. It’s more just that I haven’t been back in so long. It’s where I grew up, and I don’t know what to expect. Hopefully it’s cool, though. I think it will be fun. I’m gonna go in there and see the new clubhouse. The clubhouse is new, a lot of new things, a lot of new faces. I’m more excited to see the people, though. The people are what I remember the most.”

via Mookie Betts, On Base with Mookie Betts

Betts first broke out with Boston in the 2014 season as a centerfielder, proving he could do it all at the big league level after a slow start by his first full season the next year.

Starting in his second year, Betts either received down ballot MVP votes and/or was an All-Star in each of his last four seasons with the Red Sox, becoming one of baseball’s best five-tool players.

Betts’ peak was in the 2018 season, playing Gold Glove-caliber defense, hitting for power and average and stealing 30 bases all while compiling a nearly 11 WAR season in one of the best campaigns that any era of baseball has ever seen.

Winning the World Series against the Dodgers, Betts homered in the final game of the gentleman’s sweep to cap off an impressive run for Boston.

Completing another All-Star year in 2019, Betts and Red Sox management couldn’t see eye to eye on a contract extension and the superstar was traded to LA in a deal that’s worked out marvelously for the Dodgers.

Continuing his All-Star form at Chavez Ravine, Betts has possibly never been better in 2023, doing just about everything for the Dodgers aside from pitching.

Boston’s loss has been the Dodgers’ gain and then some, and LA will continue reaping the benefits of one of the game’s best stars.

Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

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