S4 | EP4 | MLB MVP Mookie Betts Talks Fatherhood, Career, and Much More.
Jul 5, 2022
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Mookie Betts, MLB MVP and World Series champion for the LA Dodgers, discusses the profound connections between fatherhood and his athletic career. He opens up about the supportive upbringing that shaped him, highlighting the importance of family during his journey in sports. Mookie shares the joys and challenges of parenting, particularly his hopes for his daughter, Kenley. He also reflects on mental health and community engagement, while teasing an upcoming documentary on Jackie Robinson. This heartfelt conversation showcases his dedication to family and sport.
Mookie Betts emphasizes the crucial role of supportive parenting in his success, illustrating how both parents maintained a united front despite their separation.
He discusses the challenges of balancing his career demands with fatherhood, striving to create meaningful moments with his daughter Kenley amidst his busy schedule.
Deep dives
Childhood and Parental Relationships
Mookie Betts reflects on his upbringing, emphasizing the strong bond he had with both of his parents despite their separation. They maintained a friendship that allowed them to support him at every game, event, and achievement, showcasing a united front for their son. His father’s commitment intensified after his retirement, as he became an integral part of Mookie's sports journey, taking him to practices, games, and tournaments across various cities. This nurturing environment laid a solid foundation for Mookie's later success, highlighting the importance of supportive parenting regardless of relational dynamics.
The Impact of Sports on Identity
Mookie discusses how he initially played baseball and other sports simply because he was good at them and enjoyed them, without realizing it would become his career. His father allowed him to explore various sports, ensuring he finished what he started, thus instilling a sense of commitment. However, he didn't truly see baseball as his calling until after high school and acknowledges his father's influence in guiding him toward sports while also letting him make his own choices. Mookie's diverse athletic experience helped shape him as a competitor while reinforcing the value of perseverance and resilience.
Navigating Fatherhood and Career
As a professional athlete, Mookie grapples with the demands of his career and the desire to be a present father to his daughter, Kenley. He expresses feelings of guilt for missing events and balancing his time effectively, striving to be there when possible and maximizing quality moments with her. He acknowledges the complexity of excelling in his sport while investing time in parenting, recognizing that both pursuits require a significant commitment. Despite the challenges, he aims to equip Kenley with tools for life, ensuring her upbringing is filled with love and communication.
Future Aspirations and Family Dynamics
Mookie shares his hopes for expanding his family in the future, expressing a desire to have a son to provide Kenley with a sibling and a playmate. He reflects on the changing dynamics of childhood play, emphasizing the importance of providing his children with companionship in a world where outdoor free play is less common. Despite the pressures of his status and success, he stresses the importance of allowing his son to have his own identity rather than following in his footsteps. Additionally, he aspires to support him in finding his passions, suggesting that golf could be a practical pathway for his son’s education.
In this episode we chopped it up MLB MVP and Word Series Champ Mookie Betts of the LA Dodgers about all things Fatherhood, his relationship with his parents, his career, and much more. Tune in for an impactful conversation as we learn more about who Mookie is as a black man/father, SALUTE! Episode also available anywhere you get your podcasts.
Host - James Meeks (@iamjamesmeeks)
Co-Host - Jesse Alex (@meetjessealex)
Follow Mookie Betts (@mookiebetts)
For more: Follow @dear.fathers on Instagram | dearfathers.com
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