Last September, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts spoke about his passion for pickleball during an ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast in Atlanta.

It was crystal clear that he genuinely appreciated America's fastest-growing sport.

"Pickleball, that's my jam. I love playing pickleball," said Betts, who was mic'd-up for a live chat at Truist Park. "I just go to random parks and just play random people. I love the hang. You get to talk to people and get to meet people. A lot of people have fire in them, especially in pickleball. They get really mad, which I love."

Fast forward to April 2025 when Betts indicated that he was hanging up his paddle so he could be fresh to meet the demands of his baseball duties.

It was disappointing to hear that one of the game's coolest ambassadors decided to make a switch activity-wise.

"I’m done. I don’t play anymore. I got hooked on golf again," Betts told ESPN. "I’m playing shortstop now. I don’t have time to be doing all that running and stuff."

Fortunately, he changed his tune.

The 2018 American League MVP, eight-time All-Star, and three-time World Series champion is officially returning to the court next month for a good cause.

"Mookie’s Smash for Good Celebrity Pickleball Challenge" will be held on Thursday, August 28 in Los Angeles, and all proceeds will go toward the 50/50 Foundation's efforts to build sports programs for underrepresented youth and empower kids through financial, physical, mental, and nutritional education.

The event will be hosted by Mookie and his wife, Brianna, and emceed by Pickleballtv's 
Matt Manasse.

Six-time MLB All-Star and emerging pro pickleball athlete, J.D. Martinez, will be among the celebrity participants, along with sports creator, Jenna Bandy, select members of the Dodgers, and surprise amateur pickleball players and guests.

Imagine if Shohei Ohtani shows up? That would be something special.

Click here for more information about the festivities.