
On Monday, during the Dodgers’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals, fans are expected to show strong support for Mookie Betts, who is experiencing one of the most difficult offensive seasons of his career. This fan backing mirrors the emotional standing ovation that former Dodger Trea Turner received from Philadelphia Phillies supporters on August 4, 2023, despite a slow start in his new team.
Betts’ struggles at the plate have been well noted in 2025, yet Dodgers fans are uniting to encourage their star player through his personal and professional challenges. Jesus Wood, known for creating Dodgers and Lakers content on Instagram as @lajaywood, called on the fanbase to honor Betts with the same enthusiasm shown for Turner.
Community Call to Honor Betts Amid Personal Struggles
In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, Wood emphasized the importance of fan support during tough times.
“He’s going through some personal issues,”
Wood said, urging supporters to demonstrate their appreciation.
“The least we can do as fans is show our support, and tomorrow, when they’re back home, I want everybody to stand up to give that guy a standing ovation. That [guy] deserves it.”
This gesture demonstrates the shared understanding between the fans and players, highlighting the value of encouragement beyond on-field performance.
Impact of Fan Support on Player Performance: Lessons from Turner’s Turnaround
Trea Turner’s August 4 ovation marked a turning point in his 2023 season. After receiving the cheers from Phillies fans, Turner surged with a .337/.389/.668 slash line, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 42 RBIs while boasting a 179 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) for the remainder of the regular season. This example offers hope that Betts might similarly regain his form with strong fan backing.

Heading into Monday’s game, Betts faces a Cardinals pitching staff he has historically performed well against, homering in five out of his last 10 matchups. Such familiarity could further aid Betts in overcoming his current slump.
Freddie Freeman’s Resurgence Adds Momentum to Dodgers’ Campaign
Meanwhile, teammate Freddie Freeman has shaken off a sluggish two-month stretch, contributing key performances during the Dodgers’ recent road trip. Freeman hit two home runs and recorded decisive hits in victories over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday and Sunday. These efforts helped the Dodgers finish their nine-game road trip with a winning record, a boost welcomed by manager Dave Roberts.
“It’s great to get Freddie back to being who he is, getting on base, taking walks, hitting doubles,” Roberts said.
Freeman’s return to his productive form adds confidence to the team as they continue their pursuit for success this season.
Adjusting to Florida Heat During Historic Tampa Series
The Dodgers recently played their first-ever outdoor regular season games at Tampa’s Tropicana Field. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto shared how he coped with the heat during Sunday’s game, commenting on the challenges of maintaining comfort in the humid conditions.
“I changed my jersey and undershirt so many times,”
Yamamoto said.
I got a lot of support from [his interpreter] Hiro.
This experience marked a unique moment in Dodgers history, with the team unlikely to face outdoor Florida heat again unless Tropicana Field undergoes significant renovations by 2027.
The Significance of Fan Support for Betts and the Dodgers Moving Forward
The collective encouragement from Dodgers fans for Mookie Betts represents more than just loyalty to a player; it symbolizes the community’s recognition of the pressures athletes face on and off the field. As Betts contends with personal hurdles and a difficult season, the timing of fan support—a mirror to Turner’s 2023 ovation—could be pivotal in reigniting his performance.
With key contributors like Freddie Freeman finding their stride, and the team navigating unique challenges like outdoor stadium play in Florida, the Dodgers appear poised to build momentum. The upcoming games will provide further insights into how this fan-driven energy influences Betts and the overall team’s success.