After another successful DodgerFest event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, players and various celebrities converged at Lucky Strike Lanes at LA Live in Los Angeles that same evening to bowl for charity. Everyone turned out for the second annual Mookie Betts Bowling Event to benefit his 50/50 Foundation.
The 50/50 Foundation was created in 2021 to benefit Nashville, Tennessee, where Betts grew up, as well as his new home, Los Angeles. He and his wife, Brianna, are aligned on their mission to improve the community and afford the youth opportunities to improve their lives.
Brianna Betts explained that the event partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation so that the net proceeds of the event could be used in a few different ways:
● Supporting Brotherhood Crusade as part of “50 Feeds LA”
● Baseball field improvements where Jackie Robinson attended school at John Muir High School in Pasadena
Many players from the Dodgers made their way across the red carpet before the festivities got underway. The usual suspects: first baseman Freddie Freeman , right fielder Jason Heyward, shortstop Gavin Lux, centerfielder James Outman, and utility player Chris Taylor.
A cadre of pitchers also showed up: Tyler Glasnow, Blake Treinen, J.P, Feyereisen, Alex Vesia, Ryan Yarbrough, and Evan Phillips. Even Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts and SportsNet LA reporter Kirsten Watson were in attendance.
The team was still coming down from the excitement earlier in the day at Dodger Stadium and shared their thoughts on DodgerFest, Spring Training, and the quality of their bowling game.
Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow had his first DodgerFest experience. Coming from the Tampa Bay Rays, he shared his thoughts on the Los Angeles celebration.
“It was awesome,” Tyler stated. “It was crazy. A lot of people there. I didn’t know it was going to be that many people, but everyone was there, loud, very like loving, and supportive. It was really fun.”
Shortstop Gavin Lux said that DodgerFest “… felt like it was like an actual game and like 35,000 people. It was a great turnout.” He shared that this was his first time at Mookie’s charity event.
“We see each other more than we see our families, so I feel like it’s the only right thing to do is to support each other,” shared Lux. “It’s all for a great cause and everything. We have so many guys who do so much work in the community so however we can support them, take notes from them on that.”
The young shortstop tore the ACL in his right knee during Spring Training last year and subsequently missed the rest of the 2023 season. He shared his excitement when asked if he was ready to head to Arizona.
“I’ve had the itch for about six months now. So, the sooner we can get down there the better.”
Relief pitcher J.P. Feyereisen, who has yet to make his Dodger debut after being out for the 2023 season recovering from right shoulder surgery, said he used to bowl when he was a kid, but had to use bumpers. He had positive comments to share about his first DodgerFest.
“Awesome. It was great to just see all the people out there just for us,” stated Feyereisen. “And then, I mean, just seeing teammates and the guys getting together again. It’s exciting knowing that the season’s right here.”
Like many players, Feyereisen has already been to the Glendale, Arizona, facility getting work in before Spring Training starts.
“So, I’ve been down there a couple weeks now just kind of you know going through the whole rehab process,” the reliever explained. “Last year trying to get down there early, get with the guys, get with the team and the staff. After we’re done with CT’s (Chris Taylor) event, we’ll be back down there again.”
This was also reliever Ryan Yarbrough’s first Dodgerfest, and he agreed with his teammates about the influx of fans who showed up.
“Honestly, the amount of people who came out and supported. Just being able to really on a like personal level meet people, have an interaction with them, and just feel that excitement for the season. We’ve always had that excitement like getting ready for the offseason. Kind of seeing how they’re doing the same thing and it’s always great to see.”
When asked about his bowling game, Yarbrough was not as optimistic.
“(It’s) non-existent. I think it’s just going to be more about having fun. It’s been a long time since I’ve bowled. So, I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself so we’ll see how it goes.”
Everyone agreed that Mookie would be the one putting on a show since he is well known for bowling perfect games, having bowled from a young age. His event benefitted charity while also bringing everybody together for a night of fun and good memories.
Betts summed the evening up best.
“I think we’re looking forward to a lot of fun, obviously, bowling. Bowling for sure,” Betts elaborated. “And just having a good time and really, just having a good time with a lot of good people. You know I haven’t seen my teammates, seeing the guys in here is amazing. You know, we got a great group of guys, and we all support each other. I’m just glad to know that they’re here.”
Here’s to more fun following the Boys in Blue as the season kicks off!
Go Blue!