Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers star, describes how his passion for bowling led to baseball success
On a recent Saturday night, Los Angeles Dodger Mookie Betts was smiling as he welcomed friends and fans who were packed inside a dimly lit establishment, where several wore jerseys bearing the name of their favorite outfielder turned second baseman.
LOS ANGELES — On a recent Saturday night, Los Angeles Dodger Mookie Betts was smiling as he welcomed hundreds of friends and fans to a dimly lit establishment, where several wore jerseys bearing the name of their favorite outfielder turned second baseman.
But few expected to talk baseball.
On this night, crowds came to see Betts and support the seven-time All-Star’s passion for another sport, where three strikes in a row are cause for celebration.
“Bowling is in my blood,” said the two-time World Series champion, who said he picked up a bowling ball before ever touching a baseball.
Mookie Betts bowls during the 50/50 Foundation charity bowling event at Lucky Strike LA Live in Los Angeles on Feb. 3.Mat Hayward / Getty Images for Mookie Betts 5050 FoundationThe 31-year-old says some of his baseball success can be traced to time spent in bowling alleys. Betts’ mother, Diana Benedict, was a competitive bowler he says was at the lanes the night he was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He joined her soon enough, when Betts said his crib was brought into the local bowling alley.
Rating: 5