Boston Red Sox superstar outfielder Mookie Betts was in New York City over the weekend to accept the AL Most Valuable Player award.
Mookie Betts is making a habit of piling up accomplishments on enemy soil. The Boston Red Sox clinched the AL East division title with a win in the Bronx in late September, then eliminated the Yankees from the postseason in Game 4 of the ALDS in their own stadium. Now Betts was back in New York to accept the AL MVP award.
The Baseball Writers Association of America held an event Saturday night to honor the recipients of MLB’s highest individual achievements, during which Betts was handed the hardware earned for being named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Boston’s superstar outfielder couldn’t resist the urge to take a playful jab at any Yankees fans in the crowd by implying he takes an extra bit of satisfaction in accepting this award in New York City.
"It's gratifying to be here as a member of the Boston Red Sox, World Series champions, but doing that in New York City." @mookiebetts accepted his MVP Award last night! pic.twitter.com/5m4PsejCFh
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 27, 2019
Betts drew some laughs and applause from the crowd, along with a smattering of boos that he acknowledged was expected.
While the charismatic star showed a glimpse of personality by trolling the arch-nemesis of the Red Sox, he quickly pivoted to a more humble approach for the remainder of his speech. Betts thanked his parents and fiancee for their support over the years and their part in helping him reach his goals.
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He also thanked the Red Sox organization and his teammates. The MVP is an individual award but Betts made it clear that he wouldn’t be standing there accepting the award if it weren’t for his teammates. We saw in 2017 that Betts struggled (at least by his lofty standards) to produce in a depleted lineup. Boston’s mediocre lineup that finished at the bottom of the league in home runs failed to adequately protect their star leadoff hitter. The addition of J.D. Martinez and the progress of other young players on the roster led to a stronger lineup around Betts, which played a part in his career year.
And what a year it was! Betts won a batting title with a .346 average while also leading the league with a .640 SLG and 10.9 WAR. He was one of only two players in the league to reach 30+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases. As president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski pointed out while introducing Betts at the awards dinner, Betts is the first player ever to win an MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and World Series championship in the same season.
Bonus appreciation tweet for the #MVP fashion. 👌 pic.twitter.com/wdxytiD3Pe
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 27, 2019
As if winning the MVP weren’t enough, Betts also earned himself some style points with his suit and matching fedora.
We’re only a few weeks away from spring training so it’s almost time for Betts to get back to work. Betts will be looking to become the first player to repeat as MVP since Miguel Cabrera in 2012-2013. Ted Williams is the only Red Sox player to win the award multiple times but he didn’t do it in consecutive seasons (1946, 1949).
Betts is no stranger to setting franchise records so perhaps he can be the first Red Sox player to win the MVP in back-to-back seasons. If he can do it at the expense of the Yankees, count on Betts to point that out again when he returns to accept the hardware next year.