Dave Dombrowski has been in the business for 38 years, but he’s not sure he’s ever seen a Major League Baseball player like Mookie Betts.
The Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations had high praise for Betts on Friday, namely for the 23-year-old outfielder’s leadership skills. He apparently took the team out to dinner Thursday night, and Dombrowski said those actions really show the type of player Betts it.
“He’s outstanding,” Dombrowski told reporters in Fort Myers, Fla. “I’m really very impressed with him. I think the ability on the field speaks for itself, and I think he’s only going to get better and better because I think Mookie is driven to be excellent and be the best. And with the talent that he has, having that type of mindset is a great asset.”
Dombrowski highlighted the fact that it’s not very often you see a guy who’s entering just his second full season taking the whole team out for a meal.
“You don’t see a lot of guys that are 23 years of age do that,” Dombrowski said. “I can’t tell you that I’ve ever had anybody like that in my career. I’ve had veterans do it. But I don’t know that I’ve ever had a 23-year-old feel comfortable to do that.
“He doesn’t do it in a fashion where he’s trying to be boastful or push himself. It’s just a natural thing for him, and it’s great to see. I think we’re very fortunate to have him in our organization at the age he is.”
Hear it from Dombrowksi himself in the video above.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
