Imagine this scenario. A top-tier athlete suddenly facing a setback due to symptoms that drained his strength and appetite troubles that plagued him for days on end. However compelling the illness aspect may be in this narrative, what truly stands out is the method that aided Mookie Betts’ recovery. His ally? Uncrustables sandwiches. Yes, those pre-made peanut jelly sandwiches.

Betts revealed that this little-known snack saved him during his toughest stretch, when he lost over 20 pounds in a short period. The illness was a mystery at first—doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause. But Betts was in serious trouble. He was vomiting regularly, struggling to eat anything solid, and becoming dangerously dehydrated. After several tests, it was clear that Betts wasn’t going to recover without intervention.

That’s where the Uncrustables come in. When Betts found himself too weak to eat regular meals, this childhood snack became his lifeline. He shared in an episode of on Base with Mookie Betts: “I’m on base on Uncrustables, I really do, I smashed that…that helped me get my weight back when I was sick.” With its mix of protein, carbs, and easy-to-digest ingredients, the simple sandwich was a perfect solution when he couldn’t eat anything else.

Isn’t it fascinating how a snack such as Uncrustables, typically not viewed as a meal option, can become someone’s choice during a health emergency? For Betts, it wasn’t about reliving memories or convenience; it was about survival. Once he started to feel better, those sandwiches became a regular part of his routine, helping him rebuild his strength. Fast forward to now, and Betts is back on the field, in even better shape than before.

It’s not just Betts who’s found comfort in these sandwiches. He’s noticed other players, like Nick Castellanos, making Uncrustables part of their snack arsenal. While it may not be the most glamorous choice, the results speak for themselves. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.

Support system behind Mookie Betts’ recovery

But Mookie Betts’ recovery wasn’t just fueled by calories and rest, it was powered by something much harder to measure: the people who refused to let him give up. Through the worst nights, when the vomiting wouldn’t stop and he felt completely drained, it wasn’t trainers or doctors who kept him grounded — it was family. His wife, his teammates, and the Dodgers‘ inner circle formed a wall around him, not letting the illness define his spirit. This wasn’t about quick fixes or motivational speeches; it was about quiet, unwavering presence during the moments nobody else saw.

Betts opened up about just how much that support meant, revealing the raw, emotional side few ever get to glimpse. “That was super special. I know it sounds super selfish, but just more for me. I was really proud of myself for coming in and playing underweight,” Betts shared. “Not that it’s a big deal to play underweight, but just the fight that I’ve kind of been through — the ups and downs, the nights where I’m just crying because I’m sick. My wife was there, just kind of holding me. And so that’s really where that emotion kind of comes from. Then obviously winning for the boys.” 

His words cut deeper than any stat sheet ever could, a reminder that even the biggest stars sometimes need someone just sitting beside them in the dark, reminding them they’re not alone.