Dodgers GM Says Mookie Betts Would Be 'Hall of Fame Caliber' in Any Sport He Played
The Baseball Hall of Fame will elect a new class Tuesday. Mookie Betts just completed his 10th big league season and won't need to accomplish much more — if anything — to ensure he gets a plaque someday.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes believes Betts could have had a Hall of Fame-caliber career in more than one sport. Not only has Betts earned incredible accolades throughout his career, he's shown versatility — like when he switches from right field to second base to shortstop.
“And Mookie, anywhere you put Mookie, I think any sport Mookie played he’d be Hall of Fame caliber," Gomes said. "So getting him at second full time, he really enjoys it, he was outstanding during his time there. Being able to have J-Hey in right field, there’s not too many times you can not lose much or any in a position where you’re moving Mookie off of, and Jason was fantastic in right.
"So I think the overall construction of the team with Mookie at second has been really solid. And having him there full time I think will be easier on his body which will just allow him to play more and feel better and as things play out over the years, I think it’ll be a benefit because I do think he’s gonna be elite defensively there as well.”
via The New York Post Baseball podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman
It's not an exaggeration to believe Betts could have excelled at another sport. Betts was a star high school basketball player, winning the MVP in his district's tournament. Listed at 5-foot-9, Betts can dunk. He is an avid amateur golfer. And baseball isn't the only sport in which he's competed against professionals.
Betts has spoken often about his background in bowling, a sport he grew up around in equal measure with baseball. He's rolled multiple 300 games during his lifetime.
A handful of major league players have played two sports professionally. Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders enjoyed relatively long NFL careers. Mark Hendrickson and Danny Ainge doubled in the NBA.
The Dodgers are glad that Betts chose baseball. The former American League MVP has put in three All-Star appearances and helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series since coming to Los Angeles.
Still, it's fun to think about what Betts could have done in other sports with a full-time focus. Occasionally, it's fun to watch him bowl.
