Dodgers' Mookie Betts celebrates a walk-off home run following a week filled with emotions.
- Dante
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Mookie Betts observed his drive soar over the left-field fence of Dodger Stadium late Friday night, and his emotions erupted as if he had just hit a walk-off home run in October rather than March. He raised his finger emphatically, followed it with a vigorous fist bump, tossed his helmet with enthusiasm, and let out a thunderous cheer as he made his way toward his teammates at home plate.
Betts not only propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-5 comeback victory against the Detroit Tigers on the day they received their World Series rings, but he also marked the team's first 4-0 start to a season since 1981. This achievement came after he battled a severe illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds, often leaving him questioning whether he could summon the energy for moments like this. That was incredibly special, Betts remarked. "I realize it may sound selfish, but it was more about me. I felt a great sense of pride in coming back and playing while underweight. While playing underweight may not seem significant, the struggle I’ve endured—the highs and lows, the nights spent crying due to illness with my wife by my side—this is where the emotion stems from."
As the Dodgers prepared to travel to Japan to kick off their season last week, Betts, who had dedicated the previous four months to the challenging role of becoming an everyday shortstop, faced difficulties in keeping food down.
He did not participate in the first two regular-season games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome and was sent home early. Although he was slated to play in the Dodgers' exhibition opener against the Los Angeles Angels the following Sunday, he was a late scratch due to ongoing vomiting. At that point, Betts' weight had plummeted from 175 pounds to 157.
However, a day later, Betts began to show signs of improvement. He played 5½ innings in the Dodgers' exhibition finale on Tuesday and faced live pitching during the off day on Wednesday. By the time the home opener arrived approximately 24 hours later, he was ready to contribute.
