Donald Trump hosted the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday for a ceremony that saw stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in attendance while several players, including Mookie Betts, opted to stay away. The event highlighted the intersection of sports and politics.
White House Ceremony Highlights
During the Rose Garden event, the Dodgers presented Trump with a custom jersey and a replica World Series championship ring. Trump praised the team, calling them "special winners" and predicted they could return next year. He also made lengthy tangents about former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and the renovation of the Rose Garden.
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Attendees vs. Absentees
Four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, star first baseman Freddie Freeman, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts were among the players who attended. Meanwhile, shortstop Mookie Betts and utility man Kiké Hernández were notable absences, with Betts having skipped a similar event during Trump's first term as part of the Boston Red Sox.
| Player | Attended | Reason (if known) |
|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Yes | N/A |
| Freddie Freeman | Yes | N/A |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Yes | N/A |
| Dave Roberts | Yes | N/A |
| Mookie Betts | No | Personal choice (also skipped in 2017) |
| Kiké Hernández | No | Personal choice |
| Clayton Kershaw | Retired | N/A (retired after 2024 World Series) |
Trump's Remarks and Reactions
Trump compared Ohtani to Babe Ruth and praised Clayton Kershaw, mistakenly referring to him as still pitching. He said he had been "a little busy with Iran" when asked why he was surprised by the Dodgers' current dominance. The ring presentation drew laughs when Trump joked, "Wow. Do I have to report this?"
Fan Reactions and Political Context
The visit left many Dodgers fans conflicted due to recent ICE raids and protest crackdowns in Los Angeles ordered by the Trump administration. The absence of Betts and Hernández was seen as a silent protest, echoing similar boycotts by athletes in recent years.
- Key Takeaways:
- Trump hosted the Dodgers at the White House for the second time in two years.
- Superstars Ohtani and Freeman attended; Betts and Hernández skipped.
- Trump made jokes about reporting the ring and confused players' roles.
- The event sparked mixed reactions due to political tensions.
- Dodgers remain MLB's best team as of the visit.
FAQ
Why did Mookie Betts skip the White House visit?
Mookie Betts chose not to attend, continuing his pattern of skipping White House ceremonies during Trump's presidency. He also skipped the Red Sox's visit in 2017.
Which Dodgers players were at the White House?
Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts attended. Clayton Kershaw was retired and not present.
What did Trump say about Shohei Ohtani?
Trump compared Ohtani to Babe Ruth, praising his two-way skills and calling him an "unbelievable" talent.
This White House visit once again underscores the delicate relationship between professional sports and politics, with players balancing team obligations and personal convictions.
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