Mondesi Weary of Fan Heckling

Raul Mondesi has been among the Dodgers’ most popular players throughout his five-year career, and his relationship with fans is important to him.

And that’s why the center fielder is upset about comments that have been directed at him after his June arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. On the road and at Dodger Stadium, fans heckle Mondesi.

Charges were not filed in the incident, but Mondesi said he has being treated like a criminal after a 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

“Maybe they [the public] don’t know what happened, maybe they think I’m bad, but that’s not what happened,” said Mondesi, who was hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts. “I’m not the way they think I am.

“They say these things about me all the time, bad things, and I just try to play hard for the fans. No one knows how [hard] that is.”

Mondesi was arrested in Glendale early June 13 and detained for several hours in the city jail after two police officers observed him driving erratically, officials said.

He was given a blood-alcohol test after being pulled over, which determined his blood-alcohol level to be 0.083%. The legal limit for driving in California is 0.08%. The Glendale office of the district attorney decided not to file charges.

Dodger officials are aware of Mondesi’s concerns--and supporting him.

“Raul wants the public to know that these charges weren’t filed, because he cares so much about his fans,” said Derrick Hall, Dodger media relations director. “He knows that he is a role model and one of the leaders in our clubhouse, and that’s very important to him.

“He is important to this team, to this city and to his country. He is sensitive to perception, so we are pleased that he has been cleared.”

Mondesi’s teammates have been supportive as well.

They understand what he’s experiencing because many have encountered similar situations. But they also said that Mondesi shouldn’t allow criticism to distract him.

“Mondy is a sensitive guy, a real good-hearted person, and he treats people with respect,” right fielder Gary Sheffield said. “It’s hard for Mondy to understand why people would want to treat him that way, especially the fans, because he does everything out there for them.

“But these things happen all the time, and you can’t stop people from saying what they want to say. We just have to help Mondy understand that as a veteran player, this is part of the game.”

Left fielder Bobby Bonilla said Mondesi must remain focused during this difficult time.

“Mondy is having a wonderful season, but I can guarantee you that there are people out there who don’t like Mondy for whatever reason,” Bonilla said. “If he’s going to concern himself with that stuff, he’s only hurting himself, and this team needs Mondy too much.

“Mondy has good friends, and he needs to realize that his friends and his teammates are behind him. That’s the important thing right now.”