The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they accepted an invitation from President Trump to take part in the customary visit to the White House in celebration of their 2024 World Series title.
The Dodgers’ last visit to the White House came in 2021, during President Biden’s tenure, with near-full participation from players.
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During President Trump’s first term, several championship winning teams from other professional leagues did not make the trip to the White House. Most prominently, the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia Eagles had their invitations to the White House rescinded after there were indications of limited attendance.
Other teams did accept President Trump’s invitation during that time, but were often missing notable players. Mookie Betts was one such player, as he was not present during the Boston Red Sox’s trip to the White House for their 2018 World Series win.
That very well may be the case again this year as Betts is mulling over his decision on whether or not to attend with the Dodgers, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Mookie Betts, on the other hand, said he was undecided if he would make this year’s White House visit, and that he needed to talk it over with his family first.
The Dodgers will be the first team to attend a championship celebration at the White House during President Trump’s second term in office.
The 2024-2025 Eagles also accepted an invitation to the White House to celebrate their victory in Super Bowl LIX. Their visit is scheduled for April 28, three weeks after the Dodgers. No Eagles players have stated their intention to avoid attending the ceremony.
A Dodgers contingent is also going to visit Capitol Hill on April 8.
The Dodgers made their first trip to the White House after winning the 1981 World Series, meeting with President Ronald Regan. President Regan is credited with the implementation of the longstanding tradition of all championship teams being recognized and celebrated with a White House visit.
The Dodgers met with President Regan again during his second term after winning the 1988 World Series.
Mookie Betts makes MLB history
Although Betts spent the better part of the last two weeks battling a stomach illness, he made enough of a recovery to be in the Dodgers lineup come domestic Opening Day.
Friday’s game seemingly saw Betts defy the odds with two home runs, including a walk-off blast. His late-game heroics amounted to making MLB history.
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