Trump Honors Dodgers at White House
President Donald Trump welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers, including standout players Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, to the White House recently to celebrate their victory in last season’s World Series. Trump praised the team’s talent, specifically noting their success in besting the New York Yankees.
During the event, Trump chose not to introduce a few Democratic senators present, mentioning he preferred to leave them out. This occasion came amidst a busy day in the stock market, following Trump’s comments reinforcing his stance on tariffs.
Highlighting individual achievements, Trump recognized Ohtani for his remarkable record of being the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He also acknowledged the contributions of pitcher Yoshi Yamamoto and NL Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman.
The president congratulated Betts, reflecting on his transition from the Boston Red Sox to the Dodgers — a move he found questionable, given Betts’s impressive skills. The ceremony included a friendly handshake between Trump and Betts.
Betts, who did not attend a previous White House visit with the Red Sox, expressed his excitement about joining his teammates for this celebration. He emphasized that his decision was about teamwork and unity rather than politics.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the invitation to the White House as a significant honor, noting that discussions about attending were informal among the players.
The trip was particularly notable as it came shortly after the Department of Defense reinstated a webpage honoring baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who is celebrated for both his sports career and civil rights activism.
Trump also took a moment to remember the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, joking about the challenges managers faced under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the Dodgers would be successful again, hinting at their impressive performance early in the current season.
In presenting a Dodgers jersey with the number 47 to Trump, pitcher Clayton Kershaw and co-owner Mark Walter briefly addressed the gathering. The visit from the championship team marks another chapter in Trump’s engagements with major sports figures, signaling a continued celebration of American achievements in sports.
