Mookie Betts Reflects on Busy Day After Dodgers’ Thrilling Game 3 Win

After the Dodgers’ epic Game 3 win, which saw Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run for the second consecutive World Series, Betts was asked about his thoughts on such a monumental game.

With a quick turnaround for Game 4 scheduled just 18 hours later, Betts gave a candid response to a reporter’s question about reflecting on teammates’ performances, such as Shohei Ohtani’s two home runs or Freeman’s game-winning hit. Betts humorously dismissed the notion of contemplating another player while heading to bed, signaling his readiness to move on from the game and focus on the next challenge.

As if the long game and short rest weren’t enough, Betts also found time to receive the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award earlier in the day. The honor, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the values of the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer, recognized Betts’ positive impact both on and off the field. Betts took the moment to reflect on the deeper significance of the award, emphasizing that life is about how you affect others, not just your on-field accomplishments.

Despite an exhausting day that began with a ceremony and continued into an extended game, Betts managed to contribute on the field, even though his performance in Game 3 included a 1-for-8 showing with a walk. With Game 4 fast approaching, Betts is now shifting his focus to helping the Dodgers push toward a potential second consecutive World Series title.

1. The Roberto Clemente Award

On the day of Game 3, Mookie Betts received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, an honor that acknowledges the player who best represents the ideals of the late Hall of Famer. The award is particularly significant because it celebrates a player’s contributions beyond baseball, emphasizing community service, humanitarian efforts, and character. For Betts, receiving the Clemente Award meant much more than simply being recognized for his baseball abilities. During the award ceremony, he spoke about how much the award meant to him personally, explaining that “life is about more than what you do, I think, as far as work.” Betts highlighted the importance of how one impacts others, emphasizing that “people always remember how you make them feel.” This philosophy has guided him both on and off the field, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most respected figures in Major League Baseball. The Clemente Award is a reminder that while the game’s top players are often celebrated for their athleticism, it is their character and their efforts to improve their communities that leave a lasting legacy. Betts’ actions in this regard have made him an exemplary role model in the sport, and the recognition of his contributions off the field is a testament to the positive influence he has had in his career. For Betts, the Clemente Award represents an achievement beyond baseball stats. It underscores his commitment to using his platform for good, reflecting the values of integrity and service that have guided his career. As a recipient of this prestigious honor, Betts has solidified his place as one of the league’s most respected and admired figures.

2. The Marathon Game 3 and Betts’ Focus on the Next Challenge

Despite receiving a significant award earlier in the day, Betts still had his focus squarely on the task at hand: Game 3 of the World Series. The Dodgers’ victory over the Blue Jays in the marathon 18-inning contest required an immense amount of mental and physical energy. Betts played a crucial role in the game, albeit with a challenging 1-for-8 performance at the plate. The game, which lasted nearly seven hours, saw Freeman hit a walk-off home run, making it the second consecutive World Series in which Freeman has delivered such a clutch hit. Betts, who played alongside Freeman and other key players in this drama-filled game, expressed his admiration for the team’s resilience, but was quick to turn his attention to Game 4. “We tried. We did everything we could. They did the same thing,” Betts said, acknowledging the tough competition but signaling that it was time to focus on the upcoming game. The physical demands of such a long game, combined with the quick turnaround, highlight the grueling nature of postseason baseball. Betts, however, displayed his ability to compartmentalize the emotional highs and lows of the game, reflecting his professional demeanor. He’s well aware that the World Series is far from decided, and his focus remains on helping the Dodgers win the next game in their pursuit of a second consecutive title. For Betts, the ability to stay mentally sharp and move forward after such a taxing game will be critical. As one of the team’s leaders, his mindset will likely set the tone for the rest of the players heading into Game 4.

3. The Road to Game 4

With Game 4 on the horizon, the Dodgers are preparing for a quick turnaround, needing to put aside the emotions from their marathon win and shift focus to the next challenge. Betts, along with the rest of the team, understands that every game in the World Series is crucial, and the Dodgers’ pursuit of another championship relies on maintaining a high level of focus and preparation. Betts’ leadership in both the award ceremony and the game itself shows the balance he strikes between personal achievement and team commitment. His recognition off the field with the Clemente Award and his on-field contributions in the World Series reflect his ability to perform under pressure, making him one of the most complete players in the league. The challenge for the Dodgers is not only to recover from the fatigue of an 18-inning game but to build on the momentum from that victory. With Betts and the team’s other stars preparing for Game 4, the Dodgers will aim to take a 3-1 lead in the series and move closer to their ultimate goal of winning back-to-back titles. As the series moves forward, the mental toughness and leadership displayed by Betts will continue to be a key factor in the Dodgers’ pursuit of another World Series championship.