Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Before Game 3 of the NLCS against the Mets, Mookie Betts provided insights into his preparation, the challenges of playoff baseball, and his relationships with teammates during a pregame interview. As the Dodgers aim to secure a series advantage, Betts spoke about his approach and mindset during this high-stakes period.
When asked about his physical and mental preparation between games, Betts shared that his approach involves taking a significant number of swings every day. “I’ve probably been taking, you know, a couple hundred swings a day,” he said. “I did it again yesterday, I’ll go do it again today.” He admitted that this intense routine isn’t sustainable during the regular season but is necessary now. “I’m surprised I haven’t broken down,” he joked, before emphasizing, “I do a really good job in taking care of my body, especially in a time like now. There aren’t very many tomorrows; they run out pretty quick.”
Betts acknowledged that taking so many swings is a way to search for the right feel at the plate. “That’s the point of the 500 swings because I don’t know… I’m trying to figure out which one it is,” he explained. “Not hitting is definitely not going to help,” he said, stressing that he must continue the effort to find what works, even if it’s a grind.
The increased use of bullpen games in the postseason has added a layer of difficulty for hitters, Betts noted. “That makes it a lot more difficult,” he admitted, referencing the challenge of facing different pitchers almost every at-bat. Still, he accepted it as part of the modern game: “It is what it is. You’ve got to figure it out. They’ve got to throw it over the plate, so you may not face the same guy, but it’s the same ball and the same 60 feet.”
Reflecting on the Mets, Betts was candid about not noticing significant changes from when the Dodgers played them earlier in the season. “Man, I don’t even remember… It seemed like it was so long ago,” he said. “I would be guessing, but I don’t really know… I’m assuming the unity, but they had that earlier. They were a good team early, a good team now.”
Betts had high praise for teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto. “It’s been awesome, man. It’s really been awesome, the way he goes about his work,” he said. He especially admired Yamamoto’s composure and resilience. “He doesn’t get down… If he doesn’t pitch well or if something happens, he doesn’t let it get to him. He really refocuses and gets back on track.” Betts also noted that Yamamoto’s nerves may have shown early in the postseason, but now “you see how dominant he can be.”
On the topic of his friendship with J.D. Martinez, Betts expressed deep respect for his former Red Sox teammate. “That’s my brother, you know. I’ve known him… since Boston, and we were together every day,” he said. While the two are competing on opposite sides in this series, Betts emphasized that the bond remains strong. “Obviously, in between the lines, we’re going to take care of business. But as soon as we step away from the lines, that’s my brother, and I love him.”
Betts shared insights about Shohei Ohtani, whom he described as “a regular dude, just like you and me.” He added, “He just has a superpower that you and me can’t do.” When it comes to Ohtani’s sense of humor, Betts said, “He has little one-liners… He’ll come out of left field with something.” Despite Ohtani’s superstar status, Betts admires how “he just kind of sits and chills and does his thing.”
As the Dodgers prepare to face the Mets in Game 3, Betts remains dedicated to finding ways to contribute to the team’s success, putting in the extra work and embracing the challenges that come with playoff baseball. His determination and leadership are clear as the Dodgers continue their pursuit of a championship.
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