Trump hosted the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday, marking the team's second visit in two years. The ceremony in the Rose Garden featured a custom jersey and championship ring presentation, with stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in attendance while others notably stayed away.
Key Attendees and Notable Absences
The event highlighted a split among the Dodgers roster. Among those present were four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, first baseman Freddie Freeman, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts. However, star shortstop Mookie Betts and utility man Kiké Hernández chose not to attend, reflecting political divisions within the team.
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| Player | Attended | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Yes | Designated Hitter |
| Freddie Freeman | Yes | First Baseman |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Yes | Pitcher |
| Mookie Betts | No | Shortstop |
| Kiké Hernández | No | Utility Player |
Trump's Remarks and Tangents
During his speech, Trump praised Ohtani by comparing him to Babe Ruth and mentioned former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also lauded Clayton Kershaw, apparently unaware that the pitcher had retired after the World Series. Trump joked about the championship ring, saying, "Wow. Do I have to report this?"
Fan Reactions and Political Context
The visit stirred mixed feelings among Dodgers fans, especially given recent ICE raids and protest crackdowns in Los Angeles under the Trump administration. Many saw the player absences as a silent protest.
Key Takeaways
- Trump hosted the Dodgers at the White House for a second consecutive year.
- Major stars like Ohtani attended, while Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández skipped the event.
- Trump made historical comparisons and confused player statuses during his remarks.
- The ceremony underscored political tensions affecting the team's fan base.
FAQ
Why did some Dodgers players skip the White House visit?
Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández opted not to attend, likely due to political disagreements with the Trump administration's policies, including recent ICE raids and protest crackdowns in Los Angeles.
What did Trump say about Shohei Ohtani?
Trump compared Ohtani to legendary slugger Babe Ruth, praising his abilities and calling him a "special winner."
Did Trump know that Clayton Kershaw had retired?
No, Trump praised Kershaw as "still pitching well," even though the pitcher had retired after last year's World Series.
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