When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced plans to visit the White House during their current road trip, it was accompanied by highlighting such is tradition for a World Series champion.
It was the team’s first effort to diffuse a polarizing situation and politically-charged climate. Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten echoed that sentiment, and so too did manager Dave Roberts despite previously suggesting he likely wouldn’t go to the White House if an opportunity arose during President Trump’s first term.
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Mookie Betts said he needed to discuss potential participation with his family before deciding whether or not he would join the Dodgers on their visit to the White House. Betts skipped out on such with the Boston Red Sox in 2019, but did attend when the Dodgers were welcomed by President Biden in 2021.
Betts made the decision to stand alongside his Dodgers teammates on Monday in large part because of not wanting to be a distraction to the World Series celebration.
President Trump spoke highly of Betts, Roberts and Shohei Ohtani as the Dodgers stood behind him in the East Room. They also were treated to the rare opportunity of stepping inside the Oval Office following the ceremony.
“After seeing how successful you’ve begun this season, I can tell you that you can plan on being back here,” Trump said. “I hope you’re going to be back here next year.”
Dodgers go to the White House
Dave Roberts
President Trump once chastised Roberts for his pitching decision with Rich Hill during the 2018 World Series, but on Monday he heaped praise on the Dodgers’ manager.
“One of the greatest managers ever to wear Dodger Blue, Dave Roberts, what a time he’s had,” President Trump said. “I think he would’ve even lasted with George Steinbrenner. He was very quick. You lose two games, and you’re fired.
“Great job, Dave.”
Mookie Betts
Rather than take umbrage with Betts passing on attending the White House with his Red Sox teammates in 2019, President Trump was critical of Boston trading him to the Dodgers.
“Mookie. That guy can play, can’t he? I mean, unbelievable,” he said. “I don’t want to say I watched him on Boston, but I did. I don’t want to say that wasn’t a particularly good trade for them, but I’m right.”
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani drew the loudest cheers from those gathered in the East Room.
“He looks like a movie star,” Trump said. “He’s got a good future, I’m telling you. He shattered all of those records last year.”
Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw spoke on behalf of his teammates, and joined owner Mark Walter in presenting a Dodgers jersey with “Trump” and “47” to the president.
“This is an incredible honor for me to be standing here representing the Los Angeles Dodgers and this group of staff and players behind me,” Kershaw said during his speech. “The 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers season is one that will go down in the history books.
“Always holding a special place in the hearts of myself, and those there with me as well as millions of Dodger fans around the world. This organization exemplifies what it means to come together as one for a greater purpose and represent something so much bigger than themselves.
“The selflessness and humility that each one of these players and staff have shown over the last year is truly an inspiration. They have constantly played hurt, switched positions and taken the ball to put the team first. As a spectator for our championship run last year, I was in awe of this group.
“Their unwavering confidence, coupled with the selfless pursuit for team excellence, was an inspiration. That is why I’m so grateful to get to speak today on their behalf, as I know none of them would say this about themselves.
“Moving forward, I hope the 2024 Dodgers can serve as an inspiration to many, like they were to me. Not just in sports, but in life, remembering to put others before ourselves. It moves a team and a society forward. Thank you for allowing me to speak today, because the story of the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers is a true joy to tell.
“And it’s because of the extraordinary people behind me and their incredible pursuit of excellence.”
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