Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Makes MLB History Monday Against Padres

Mookie Betts' slam to cap off the Dodgers' 8-run fifth made history.

Mookie Betts’ grand slam was his fifth slam in the leadoff spot in his major league career. He tied MLB history for the most grand slams from the leadoff spot.

Mookie Betts recorded his 5th grand slam out the leadoff spot today, tied for the most in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/NFacq1YoL0

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 7, 2023

Betts isn’t the typical leadoff hitter. In the past, managers would choose a scrappy player who could get on base consistently and steal many bases.

When Ricky Henderson appeared with the Oakland Athletics, his amazing ability revolutionized the thinking about the leadoff spot. Teams realized how important getting an early lead was. With one swing from Henderson, the Athletics had the lead.

With baseball players becoming more athletic, it is possible for teams to have a player with speed and power. Many teams now are putting their best hitter in the leadoff spot. This is an advantage.

Betts prefers to bat leadoff. Even with the new kind of leadoff hitters, he is a special player.

Betts wants to be the best. He puts in the required work to be the best.

After a disappointing 2022 performance outside of the long ball, Betts accepted the Dodgers’ suggestion to go to Drive Line to get his swing analyzed. Drive Line only said Betts needed to gain weight to add strength. He came into spring training about 10 pounds heavier.

Now Betts has 31 home runs, to lead the Dodgers and third most in the major leagues. He doesn’t like to think about himself as a power hitter. Monday, Betts took the 3-0 green light from manager Dave Roberts though the gates getting the green light. Certainly, Betts will break the MLB record for grand slams from a leadoff hitter during his career.