Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts has achieved iconic status. Not by second place in MVP voting, but by being made into an ugly Christmas sweater.
That’s right. You know you’ve made it to the big leagues when people decide to brand your face on merchandise, especially when it comes to Christmas time. What better way to reach an iconic level than by stitching your face into an ugly Christmas sweater for families all across North America, even the world, to enjoy?
Here’s a tweet with the prolific evidence:
New Christmas sweatshirts are here!!! Licensed by @MLB_PLAYERS! https://t.co/iKzk5iLXlT pic.twitter.com/VuLHXnjR7V
— Fresh Brewed Tees (@FreshBrewedTees) November 22, 2016
The pun of Betts’ name being “Betts XMas Ever” was matched with designated hitter David Ortiz having his sweater read “Papi Noel.” Well, when you earn second place in the American League’s Most Valuable Player voting and earned your first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award on top of appearing in your first All-Star game, all within your MLB debut two years ago, a pun on your name was just bound to happen.
Instead of sneering at being part of such a monstrosity as an ugly Christmas sweater, Betts will likely be smiling about the honor. Betts has officially reached cultural status with the fans. Only the most beloved players get made into these kinds of products to be sold. Why would anyone buy, or even wear, a sweater like that unless the love for the player far outweighed the hideousness of the overall look?
Christopher Smith of MassLive.com points out that “former Red Sox players Mike Napoli, Andrew Miller, Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes, David Ross and Anthony Rizzo also have their own sweaters.” Each one of those players is either an exceptional player or is a cult icon with the die-hard fans. Seeing how many former Red Sox made the list for these sweaters, it suggests that Boston has had their share of loveable players.
And Rizzo still counts, Chicago Cubs fans. You’re welcome, by the way!
Betts hitting .318 with 31 home runs and 113 RBIs was impressive, but his change in slugging percentage may be a sign that he will be on many ugly Christmas sweaters yet to come. In 2014, his slugging was .444. In 2015, it was .479. By the end of 2016, it was .534. Those numbers not only helped Betts earn a league-leading 359 total bases, but it demonstrates a very positive trend. From 22 to 24 years of age, Betts grew much stronger and looks to continue that progress for the future.
He’s only listed at 180 lbs; however, Betts looks to be adding as much strength as humanly possible to match with a quick and educated bat. Even with 75 more at-bats, Betts struck out two times less than in 2015.
Next: Rick Porcello wins A.L. Comeback of the Year Award
With numbers like his, Betts may help the Red Sox have a very happy Christmas in 2017 by making a run for a World Series championship. Still, his success has been noted by one of the most important cultural markers in our society: ugly Christmas sweater makers. Besides, who wouldn’t want to have their 86-year-old grandmother stare at Betts’ smiling face as she opens her gifts on Christmas morning? ‘Tis the season of giving, and Betts’ face can now smile for us throughout the entire holiday season, now!