Mookie Betts has become a household name across the MLB and throughout sports in general. He might have gotten off to a slow start to the season, even being overly critical of his play and calling it “trash,” but he’s turning things around and getting back to playing like the star that he is.
There’s no question that the two-time World Series champion has put together a Hall of Fame career and the 30-year-old still has a lot of time left to play and make an even deeper impact on the game.
He has his eyes on getting his team in a position to compete for another World Series title. And ever since he has joined the Dodgers, they have been in that conversation. While he continues to make an impact on the field, he is also making an impact in the community.
In February, Betts hosted his first annual Mookie + Friends Bowling Tournament, a charity event for his new non-profit, 5050 Foundation. The event took place on February 8, at Lucky Strikes at LA Live.
Betts stated he was excited to host the event and that he and his wife, Brianna, are looking forward to helping break barriers for the next generation of children.
We’re always thankful when we get a chance to do for others and the 5050 Foundation Charity Bowling Event was a lot of fun! Go see who you can spot that showed up that night! New link in bio pic.twitter.com/BMiIVvXtd1
— Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts) March 14, 2023
This man is well-respected throughout professional sports. He carries himself with a lot of class on and off the field. And he wants to be able to make an impact well after his playing days are over. The 5050 Foundation is the start of something special for Betts’ career and the city of L.A.
The Bowling Event was a success!
It’s always a great feeling when your event is a success, especially when it’s the first time. Betts gave a big shout out to his wife (Brianna) for making the event happen.
“It’s amazing to be here and see all the work that she’s been doing,” Betts told a local newspaper outlet.
“L.A. feels like home now, we’re getting acquainted. It feels like home,” Brianna added. “It feels good to give back to the community and the communities that we go out to.”
According to the foundation’s website:
“The 5050 Foundation believes in every kid’s incredible potential. We’re committed to breaking the barriers that hold them back, especially when it comes to their medical and financial needs. The 5050 Foundation empowers the next generation to make the most of their lives – and make a bigger difference in our world.”
For those who don’t know, Betts loves to bowl and he’s really good at it too. No surprise there, the brother is an athlete. The winner of the tournament received a prize book full of mystery gifts worth up to $5000. Some of Betts’ teammates attended the event, like J.D. Martinez. And retired MLB player and OG MLBbro Kenny Lofton made an appearance as well.
Betts will be remembered on and off the field when he walks away from the game,
We really need to cherish these moments that we get to witness Betts play because we may not see another player with his many capabilities as a performer, winner and ambassador for diversity in the sport.
It’ll be bittersweet to see him leave, but we know that he will continue to be involved in the community, whether it’s baseball related or not. For now, Betts is showing no signs of slowing down and competing at the highest level. And who knows, there may be a statute of Betts made. He’s a player who certainly deserves recognition of that stature.
