David Price blasts MLB for failing to market Red Sox star Mookie Betts

Tom Gatto

David Price blasts MLB for failing to market Red Sox star Mookie Betts image

David Price wants to see more of MVP teammate Mookie Betts on TV, beyond the on-field show Betts puts forth daily.

Price told reporters Friday that MLB is wasting an opportunity to attract younger fans, specifically fans of color, by not making an effort to promote one of the sport's best players.

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An excerpt from Price's comments, per Masslive.com:

We’re trying to grow this game in the African-American community. Put that guy (Betts) on commercials. That’s how this game grows. MLB is probably the worst at marketing their players. They need to do a better job of that. We’ve talked about that to the union and (MLB commissioner) Mr. (Rob) Manfred many times."

Betts appears more than capable of handling the role.

He's a viral video star thanks to his multisport ability, which includes football, basketball and bowling (he has rolled a 300 game in a PBA Tour event). He's engaging even while he's playing; the past two spring trainings, he has entertained ESPN audiences with his commentary from the outfield:

A Mother's Day spot with his mom — Betts' first coach — might be a good start.

Tom Gatto

Tom Gatto Photo

Tom Gatto joined The Sporting News as a senior editor in 2000 after 12 years at The Herald-News in Passaic, N.J., where he served in a variety of roles including sports editor, and a brief spell at APBNews.com in New York, where he worked as a syndication editor. He is a 1986 graduate of the University of South Carolina.