On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers made their anticipated trip to the White House to celebrate their 2024 World Series title, continuing a longstanding tradition of sports champions meeting the US president. The visit was marked by praise, handshakes, and a sense of unity among the team.

A Warm Welcome from the President

President Donald Trump welcomed the Dodgers with enthusiasm, calling manager Dave Roberts "one of the greatest managers ever to wear the Dodger blue." Trump also singled out several players for their outstanding performances. He praised Shohei Ohtani for becoming baseball’s first 50 home run-50 stolen base player, and he commended Yoshi Yamamoto and Tommy Edman for their contributions. Trump’s admiration for the team was evident as he highlighted their achievements and the hard work that led to their victory.

Mookie Betts' Decision to Attend

One of the most notable moments of the visit was the presence of Mookie Betts, who had opted not to visit the White House in 2019 when he was with the Boston Red Sox. Betts explained his decision to attend this time, stating that he regretted his previous absence and felt it had distracted from the team’s accomplishment. "This is not about me; I don’t want anything to be about me," Betts said. "This is about the Dodgers. Because these boys were there for me." His presence underscored the team’s unity and the importance of celebrating their collective achievement.

Clayton Kershaw's Presentation

During the ceremony in the East Room, Clayton Kershaw presented Trump with a custom Dodgers jersey with the number 47 on it. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young winner, spoke on behalf of the team, highlighting their unwavering confidence and selfless pursuit of excellence. Trump responded by calling Kershaw the "heart and soul" of the pitching staff.

Shohei Ohtani's Special Moment

Shohei Ohtani, the National League MVP, also had a special moment with Trump in the Oval Office. Trump praised Ohtani’s unprecedented achievement, saying, "He looks like a movie star. An accomplishment unparalleled." Ohtani’s dual performance as both a powerful hitter and a dominant pitcher has set a new standard in baseball.

A Tradition of Celebration

The Dodgers’ visit to the White House is part of a tradition that dates back decades. The first recorded visit was by the 1925 Washington Senators during President Calvin Coolidge’s administration. The tradition has continued, with teams visiting the White House to celebrate their championships and share their stories of success.

Looking Ahead

As the Dodgers continue their successful season, their visit to the White House serves as a reminder of their hard work and dedication. Trump expressed his hope that the Dodgers would return as champions next year, highlighting their strong start to the season. The team’s unity and commitment to excellence were evident throughout the visit, making it a memorable celebration of their 2024 World Series victory.

In a time when sports and politics often intersect, the Dodgers’ visit to the White House was a testament to the power of teamwork and the joy of celebrating shared achievements.