Mookie Betts wears the number 50 on his jersey as a personal tribute to his beloved late grandfather, Jesse Betts. The number signifies the age his grandfather was when Betts seriously began playing baseball.
The Significance of Grandfather Jesse Betts
- Primary Influence: Jesse Betts played a monumental role in Mookie Betts' life. He wasn't just a grandfather; he was a father figure and mentor who instilled discipline, faith, and a love for baseball.
- Initial Number Reasoning: When Betts was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and assigned to their minor league team in Lowell, Jesse Betts would have been 50 years old. Mookie chose the number 50 specifically to honor that fact.
- Lasting Legacy: Tragically, Jesse Betts passed away in 2014 while Mookie was playing rookie ball. Honoring his grandfather's age at that pivotal moment transformed the number into a deeply personal symbol of remembrance and respect.
Beyond Superstition: A Cherished Tribute
Unlike many athletes who choose numbers based on superstition or preference, Betts' selection of 50 is rooted solely in family reverence. It serves as a constant, visible reminder of the man who had the greatest impact on his life and career. He continues to honor his grandfather's memory every time he steps onto the field by wearing the number 50.
A Personal Jersey Choice
Mookie Betts wears number 50 not for luck or tradition, but as an enduring connection to his grandfather, Jesse Betts. The number represents the age Jesse was when Mookie's professional journey began and stands as a permanent tribute to his lasting influence and cherished memory.
