The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the White House on Monday to celebrate that 2024 World Series title. That visit—which is usually a moment of national pride—is stirring up mixed emotions among players, fans and commentators this year.
Mookie Betts, one of the Dodgers’ top players, has been grappling with what that visit means for him personally. And that’s especially true in today’s charged climate.
Mookie Betts Opens Up About a Difficult Decision
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts said attending the White House celebration wasn’t an easy choice for him.
“Being Black in America, in a situation like this, puts you in a tough spot,” Betts said. “You feel that weight.”
That’s not the first time Betts has faced this kind of decision. When he was with the Boston Red Sox during President Trump’s first term in 2019, he skipped the White House celebration. Betts said he regretted that decision at the time—but this time around, his focus is on his teammates.
“No matter what I decide, someone’s going to be upset,” he said. “This isn’t about me, or politics. It’s about the Dodgers—and my loyalty to the guys I’m sitting next to in the clubhouse every day.”
Fan Reactions: Pride vs. Protest
The visit has sparked strong reactions from Dodgers fans. Some think the team should boycott the event because of disagreements with the current administration’s policies. Others believe skipping the White House would be a disservice to the tradition of celebrating championships.
Dodger fan Melissa Morales , wearing her Dodger jacket, is upset with the team’s decision.
“I don’t think they should go,” she said. “Especially since a lot of the fans are Latino. The immigration crackdowns under this administration hit close to home.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Tee, a lifelong Dodgers fan, sees no reason for the team to skip the visit.
“Everybody goes when they win,” Tee said. “Why wouldn’t they go? It’s part of being a champion.”
A Clash of Values: What Does the Visit Really Mean?
The Dodgers have always seen themselves as part of something bigger than baseball. Their history is inextricably linked to American civil rights milestones—and one of the most significant of those is Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Sports columnist Dylan Hernández argues that visiting the White House under this administration flies in the face of the values the team claims to stand for.
“They love to wrap themselves in Jackie Robinson’s flag,” Hernández says. “Remind you of their role in American history as an agent of social change.” That’s still true today. But what about when the Department of Defense briefly took down references to Robinson’s military service as part of scaling back diversity and inclusion initiatives? That feels like a step backward to many people-and to those who oppose the team’s White House visit.
Pitcher Blake Treinen sees things differently. A vocal supporter of former President Trump, Treinen skipped the Dodgers’ White House visit in 2021 when President Biden was in office. He’s looking forward to Monday’s event. “I’m pumped. The greatest president of my lifetime,” he says. “I’m excited to meet him, shake his hand, thank him for what he’s doing.”
Treinen respects that others might not want to attend. “They can choose what they want to do,” he says. “For me, I’m excited to go.”
Manager Dave Roberts Treads Carefully
When asked about the controversy, Dave Roberts dodged the question and kept it on the team’s accomplishments.
“I’m not going to make it political,” Roberts said after Wednesday night’s win over the Atlanta Braves—a game ended by Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off homer. “I’m happy to recognize the 2024 World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Next Up for the Dodgers
After Monday’s White House visit, the Dodgers play the Washington Nationals in their season opener. After going 8-0 to start the season, they lost Friday night to the Philadelphia Phillies. But they’re not letting that slow them down.
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