Mookie Betts and Brianna Hammonds first connected during their teenage years and have built a life together since. Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, met Hammonds in middle school, and their relationship blossomed shortly after. In 2018, they welcomed their first child, daughter Kynlee Ivory Betts, and tied the knot in 2021.
Reflecting on their journey, Betts shared with PEOPLE how essential Hammonds has been throughout his life. “She’s been by my side since we were kids. We’ve grown together in every way, and she’s truly my best friend,” he said after announcing their engagement. The couple celebrated another milestone in April 2023 with the birth of their son, Kaj Lynn Betts.
In April 2023, they celebrated the arrival of their son, Kaj Lynn Betts, marking another cherished family milestone
Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2011, Betts quickly emerged as a standout player, making his MLB debut in 2014. As he prepares for his third World Series appearance on October 25, 2024, with Hammonds cheering him on, Betts aims to add to his two previous championships—one with the Red Sox in 2018 and another with the Dodgers in 2020.
However, he became the first MLB player to win two World Series titles in three years. Brianna Hammonds has stood by Betts’ side from the start, with their story beginning in middle school. Recalling how they met, Hammonds shared with Ebony that a friend had urged her to talk to Betts, though she initially introduced them on her friend’s behalf.
Betts admitted he found Hammonds attractive but was more focused on sports and video games at the time. Eventually, he asked her out, though it took two attempts before she accepted, leading to the start of their relationship.
When it came time to propose, Betts staged a unique surprise. In January 2021, he organized a fake awards dinner in Nashville, inviting close family and friends to witness the moment. During the staged ceremony, Betts delivered a speech, read a heartfelt poem, and proposed with a radiant-cut diamond ring, much to Hammonds’ surprise and delight.
The couple’s wedding took place at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, in December 2021. Their daughter Kynlee played a special role as the flower girl, and rapper Nelly even performed Hammonds’ favorite song at the reception. Following the celebration, they honeymooned in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Betts and Hammonds share two children: Kynlee, born shortly after Betts’ first World Series victory, and Kaj, born in 2023. Announcing their second pregnancy in late 2022, the couple playfully called it their “final round.” Betts reflected on the deep connection he felt seeing Hammonds as a mother, recognizing her as “The One” through her love for their children.
In 2023, the couple launched the 5050 Foundation to help children in need, supporting their medical and financial challenges. That same year, they hosted the first Mookie Betts + Friends Bowling Tournament to raise funds for the organization. As an avid bowler, Betts has excelled in the sport since childhood, even achieving multiple perfect games.
Hammonds is deeply involved in her husband’s baseball career, often attending his games and cheering him on with their children. She was present for Betts’ World Series victories in 2018 and 2020, celebrating their success on the field.
In 2021, she took part in Betts’ Jersey night by throwing the ceremonial first pitch, a moment the baseball star fondly joked about on Instagram. Today, Hammonds remains a constant source of support for Betts, sharing moments from their life on social media and embracing her role as a proud baseball wife.
