Mookie Betts Reveals His Passion for Pickleball: Mookie Betts, known for his exceptional talents on the baseball field, surprised many fans when he revealed his passion for a different sport during ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. While the eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion has long been celebrated for his skills in baseball and bowling, Betts shared that pickleball holds a special place in his heart.
“Pickleball, that’s my jam. I love playing pickleball,” Betts declared during a mic’d-up live chat in the second inning of the Dodgers’ game against the Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta. His appreciation for the sport was unmistakable as he enthusiastically described his experiences on the court.
Connecting with Pickleball Players Everywhere
Betts Enjoys the Social and Competitive Aspects of the Game
Betts’ love for pickleball goes beyond just competition; it’s the social interaction that draws him to the courts.
“I just go to random parks and play random people. I love the hang. You get to talk to people and meet people. A lot of people have fire in them, especially in pickleball. They get really mad, which I love.” – (Betts)
For a player of Betts’ caliber to embrace a sport that appeals to a wide range of ages is a testament to pickleball’s accessibility. He emphasized its inclusiveness.
“The cool thing is you can be anywhere from 10 to 80 and play pickleball. I’ve got a lot of friends, random 70 and 80-year-old people I go hang out with, especially in Spring Training.” – (Betts)
Betts as Pickleball Ambassador
A Natural Spokesperson for the Sport’s Growing Popularity
With his engaging personality and athletic prowess, Betts has become a natural ambassador for pickleball, helping to elevate its profile on the national stage. His stories of playing with strangers, many decades older, highlight the universal appeal of the game.
“I have a crew. I don’t know any of ’em, I don’t know any of their names, but I just go hang out with them. It’s fun.” – (Betts)
As pickleball continues to grow, Betts’ involvement adds credibility and excitement to the sport. His playful commentary and passion are sure to inspire others to pick up a paddle and join in.
Mookie Betts discusses his love for pickleball and his favorite podcast guests. pic.twitter.com/9Lz4sw3LAM
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 30, 2024
A Nod to Shohei Ohtani
What About Betts’ Legendary Teammate?
The interview took a light-hearted turn when Betts was asked if his Dodgers teammate, the equally legendary Shohei Ohtani, ever stepped onto the pickleball court.
“I don’t know but I’m sure if Shohei played it, he’d probably be the best at that, too.” – (Betts)
It was a fitting conclusion to Betts’ pickleball endorsement—a fun, relaxed moment that showcased his personality while giving the sport yet another moment in the spotlight.
News in Brief: Mookie Betts Reveals His Passion for Pickleball
Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts revealed his love for pickleball during a mic’d-up segment on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Betts shared his experiences playing at random parks and emphasized the sport’s accessibility for people of all ages.
His playful personality and enthusiasm for pickleball, which he described as “my jam,” shone through in his interview. Betts also hinted that if his teammate Shohei Ohtani played, he’d likely excel at pickleball, too. This was a lighthearted, yet powerful endorsement for America’s fastest-growing sport, coming from one of its biggest sports stars.
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