Unlike when they won the World Series in 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers have gotten to enjoy all the fruits that come with being a champion since defeating the New York Yankees in five games last October.
It began with a World Series parade through downtown Los Angeles that culminated with a celebration at Dodger Stadium. Players then gathered at Mookie Betts’ house for a party, and there have been several appearances on podcasts and late-nite talk shows.
[BUY HERE: Dodgers World Series champions bobbleheads]
Over the weekend the Dodgers raised their 2024 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium and received championship rings. Next is the customary visit to the White House on April 7.
The Dodgers’ decision to accept an invitation from President Trump has sparked plenty of criticism and discourse due to the administration’s divisive policies.
According to Dylan Hernández of the L.A. Times, team president and CEO Stan Kasten said Dodgers players were in agreement with deciding to visit the White House:
“This was something we discussed with all the players, all of whom wanted to go,” Kasten said. “Remember, everyone in here grew up wanting to be a world champion and all the things that come with it, and it comes with a champagne toast, silliness in the locker room, a parade, rings, an invitation to the White House. It’s what they all come to associate with being world champions. Everyone wanted to go, and so we did.”
While Kasten suggested the Dodgers clubhouse reached a unanimous decision on accepting President Trumps’ invitation, Mookie Betts publicly indicated he had not made a decision on whether or not he would accompany his teammates. Betts said he planned to discuss the matter with his family.
Betts was not present for the Boston Red Sox’s trip to the White House in recognition of their 2018 World Series win during President Trump’s first term in office. He was with the Dodgers when they were welcomed by President Biden in 2021.
Along with visiting the White House during their road trip to play the Washington Nationals, the Dodgers are also planning to have a contingent visit Capitol Hill on April 8.
Dodgers White House visits history
The Dodgers made their first trip to the White House after winning the 1981 World Series, meeting with President Ronald Regan. The Dodgers met with President Regan again during his second term after winning the 1988 World Series.
President Regan is credited with the implementation of the longstanding tradition of all championship teams being recognized and celebrated with a White House visit.
Before this year, the Dodgers’ last visit to the White House was in 2021, with President Biden.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
