The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the new season with World Series title hopes. With Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott on the roster, they look as good as ever. But before they can focus on defending their championship, the Dodgers have one last piece of business from 2024: a trip to the White House.
A Tradition with a Twist of Controversy
Visiting the White House has been a tradition for championship teams in major American sports. It’s a chance to celebrate on a national stage and honor the top office in the land. But this year the Dodgers’ trip to President Donald Trump’s White House is causing controversy.
California and the Dodgers have had a rough time with Trump during his presidency. So what will the team and its members do with the invitation? For instance, Mookie Betts refused to go to the White House after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2018. Will history repeat itself?
Likewise, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been hesitant in the past. In 2019, near the end of Trump’s first term, Roberts told the Los Angeles Times he wouldn’t go to the White House if the Dodgers won the World Series that year.
But when asked about those comments recently, Roberts gave a two-word response with a smirk:
“Did I?”
He then clarified:
“I’m going. I respect the position. It’s the highest office in our country, certainly in the world, so, looking forward to it.”
Roberts seems to have changed his mind and is ready to put politics aside and enjoy the moment.
Mixed Feelings Within the Ranks
As with any professional sports team, there will be mixed opinions among the Dodgers players and staff. Some will see it as an honor to represent their team and celebrate their championship. Others will be conflicted due to personal or political beliefs.
Roberts is all in, but all eyes will be on Mookie Betts who has declined such invitations in the past. Will Betts go this time or will he again opt out? His decision will be a topic leading up to the visit.
Why This Matters
The Dodgers’ trip to the White House isn’t just about the 2024 championship—it’s about the bigger cultural picture. Sports and politics intersect and this visit highlights the complexity of navigating that.
For some attending the White House is a non negotiable tradition no matter who is in the Oval Office. For others it’s a deeply personal decision based on values, experiences and perspectives. The Dodgers’ visit will show both of those sides while bringing everyone together under the umbrella of athletic excellence.
Celebrating on the National Stage
The Dodgers are scheduled to visit the White House in early April before their series against the Nationals. Despite the controversy surrounding the event the team—led by Roberts—is approaching it professionally and with respect.
Whether everyone attends is to be seen but one thing is for sure the Dodgers 2024 championship was historic and the White House visit will be the cherry on top of the sundae.
As Roberts said:
“It’s the highest office in our country, certainly in the world.”
By participating the Dodgers are not only celebrating themselves but also the tradition of sports bringing people together even in times of political division.
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