Mookie Betts Celebrity Pickleball Event: Mookie Betts, star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is returning to pickleball for a special cause. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, he will host “Mookie’s Smash for Good Celebrity Pickleball Challenge” in Los Angeles. The event will raise money for the 50/50 Foundation, which helps underrepresented youth by creating sports programs and promoting education on health, fitness, and finance.
Betts and his wife, Brianna Betts, will lead the event. It will be hosted by Matt Manasse, a well-known figure from Pickleballtv. Many celebrities are expected, including six-time Major League Baseball All-Star and rising pickleball player J.D. Martinez, social media sports creator Jenna Bandy, several members of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a few surprise guests.
Betts Steps Back Onto the Court
Last year, Mookie Betts openly talked about his love for pickleball during a live ESPN broadcast at Truist Park in Atlanta. He shared how much he enjoys the social side of the sport and how passionate people get when playing.
“Pickleball, that’s my jam. I love playing pickleball,”. “I just go to random parks and just play random people. I love the hang.
You get to talk to people and get to meet people. A lot of people have fire in them, especially in pickleball. They get really mad, which I love.”(Mookie Betts)
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However, by April 2025, he said he had stepped away from the sport to focus on his new role in baseball. Betts, now playing shortstop, wanted to avoid extra physical strain.
“I’m done. I don’t play anymore. I got hooked on golf again,”. “I’m playing shortstop now. I don’t have time to be doing all that running and stuff.”(Mookie Betts told ESPN)
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Back in Action for a Good Cause
Fans were disappointed when Mookie Betts paused his pickleball playing, especially since he had become one of the sport’s most famous fans. But now, he’s returning to the court to support a bigger mission. His charity event will raise funds to help kids grow stronger in body and mind.
Along with stars like J.D. Martinez and Jenna Bandy, the challenge will bring together athletes and local personalities. Though not confirmed, some fans are hoping Shohei Ohtani, another top Los Angeles Dodgers player, might make a surprise appearance.
A Big Serve Toward Change
This event isn’t just about fun—it’s about giving back. By supporting the 50/50 Foundation, Mookie Betts is helping kids who might not have many chances to play sports or learn about staying healthy. His efforts could inspire more pro athletes to use their influence for positive change.
As pickleball continues to grow across the United States, celebrity events like this help introduce the sport to new audiences and bring people together for a good cause.
News in Brief: Mookie Betts Celebrity Pickleball Event
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts will host a celebrity pickleball event on August 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. Proceeds from “Mookie’s Smash for Good” will support the 50/50 Foundation. Betts returns to the sport alongside celebrities like J.D. Martinez and Jenna Bandy to raise awareness and funds for youth sports programs.
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