Mookie Betts: “It Was a Dream Come True,” Dodger Reacts to First MLB Game at Shortstop

Dodgers fans got their first look at Mookie Betts at shortstop after a couple days of anticipation. It went off without a hitch. While the 6-time Gold Glove right fielder just had one chance at the position on Thursday night, he made it count for two outs.

After the game, he was all smiles.

“A lot of fun. That was like a dream come true. I got drafted as a shortstop and hadn’t seen it since, like, 2011. It was a lot of fun to be out there, and I’m just happy we won.”

He admitted there were some nerves at the position and particularly on the play, but conceded that’s part of what makes it fun. And no, those nerves weren’t because he was worried he might boot a play. In fact, you could say his confidence in the shortstop department is pretty high.

“I grew up doing this. It’s nothing new to me — it’s new to everybody else, but it is what it is. … I’ve been doing this my whole life. When I got to the big leagues is when I went to right field and didn’t get to play anywhere else. But this is nothing new for me.”

For as big as Mookie’s smile was about the night and the experience, Dave Roberts wasn’t too far behind him in excitement. And more so, his appreciation for what Betts had endured for the last few days.

“I just give Mookie a lot of credit tonight. Getting off a plane, having a baby, being willing to come into a ballgame and take an at-bat and then go out and play a position he’s never played before at the big league level. Made a really nice play. It just speaks to his athleticism. It was a big boost for us.”

Via SNLA

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!