Boston Red Sox RF Mookie Betts a Favorite of Derek Jeter
New York Yankees legendary shortstop Derek Jeter loves to watch Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts play baseball.
There is no denying the talent and potential ceiling of Mookie Betts. The Boston Red Sox right fielder is not only a 2016 MVP finalist, but a player who has caught the attention of retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
That says a lot since Jeter was a rival of the Red Sox his entire career. But it also speaks to the admiration he has for Betts and the recognition of talent that goes beyond the uniform he wears.
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The former Yankees shortstop revealed Betts as his current favorite player during a Q&A session Tuesday night at the grand finale dinner of his annual Captain’s Camp. When Yankees left-handed pitching prospect Justus Sheffield asked who his favorite player to watch, he surprised those in attendance by mentioned the Red Sox rising star.
"“I asked (Jeter) who did he like if he was watching right now, and he said he just likes guys that play the game hard,” Sheffield said via NJ.com. “He mentioned watching Mookie Betts. He loves watching Mookie Betts play. Then he said, ‘Anyone who goes and plays the game hard.’”"
With a combination of speed, power and defensive athleticism, Betts is a player many fans enjoy watching. In that respect, it is not surprising that Jeter instantly named him when the question was asked. The right fielder had a breakout season in 2016. He batted .318 with 42 doubles, 31 home runs and 113 RBIs. He finished second to Mike Trout for MVP, but not by much.
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The 24-year-old will enter the 2017 season trying to replicate the numbers and performance he put on display during the 2016 season. With David Ortiz retired, Mookie Betts has the opportunity to really become the new face of the Boston Red Sox.