It was a big night for Mookie Betts at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, but it was his 2-year-old son Kaj who stole the spotlight.
On Betts’ Bobblehead Night, little Kaj was given the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Dressed in a tiny version of his dad’s No. 50 jersey, Kaj had other plans. He took off running toward the mound and just kept going. In true toddler fashion, Kaj made his way past the mound and toward the infield dirt near second base.
His sister Kynlee ran after him, and mom Brianna Betts eventually brought him back to the mound. Kaj then tossed the ball toward his dad, who proudly picked him up and smiled. It was a simple, sweet family moment that had the crowd cheering.
Mookie Betts may be one of baseball’s biggest stars, but his favorite role is being a dad to his children. Both kids have been regulars at Dodgers games, often spotted cheering their dad on and celebrating with him during big moments, including the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win against the New York Yankees.
During a July 2022 appearance on the Dear Fathers podcast, Betts discussed how becoming a parent has shifted his perspective on life.
“When I first started before kids, like I was playing… I’m trying to get rich. I’m trying to get paid. You know, that’s why we play.”
He continued, “And once I had my little girl, it was like I obviously I still want to get rich and whatnot and play and be the best I can be, become a Hall of Fame—all those things, right? But it was a little bit easier to go to work and know that you have something to play for. You know, someone that’s really depending on you outside of yourself and your wife. Now you have someone genuinely depending on you. Like you have to provide for them. Everything for them.”
