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Los Angeles Dodgers: Mookie Betts aiming for Frank Robinson

By David Hill

May 24, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Robinson holds a unique place in Major League Baseball history. The Hall of Fame outfielder is the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, taking home the honors with the Reds in 1961 and the Orioles in 1966. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is looking to join Robinson in that club.

The fact that Betts is currently one of the front runners for the award is a bit of a surprise. Whispers were beginning to circulate about how he would age as his 2021 season was considered a disappointment. As it was his eighth season in the majors, it was fair to wonder if Betts may be slowing down although he was just 28 years old.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts shows he is not close to done

Of course, that down season would have been a banner year for most other players. Betts made his fifth All Star Game last year, producing a .264/.367/.487 batting line in his 550 plate appearances, hitting 23 homers and 29 doubles while stealing ten bases. However, those comparative struggles could be blamed on back and shoulder woes that plagued him for most of the season.

There is no question about his health thus far. Betts is looking much more like the superstar he had been previously, posting a .290/.383/.574 batting line with a National League leading 12 homers in his 188 plate appearances entering Thursday. If he can continue to stay healthy and produce at such a torrid pace, he will certainly be a part of the MVP conversation.

Should that happen, it is possible that Betts will make history. He could join Robinson by winning the MVP award in both leagues, having taken home the AL MVP as a member of the Red Sox in 2018. And, considering that he is just entering his hypothetical prime, it is possible that Betts is just getting started.

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Mookie Betts is off to a torrid start thus far in 2022. The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder could join Frank Robinson in winning an MVP award in each league.

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