In a continuation of Major League Baseball tradition, the Los Angeles Dodgers will visit President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, April 7, to celebrate their World Series championship. The ceremony will take place in the East Room at 8 a.m. PT and marks the team’s first White House visit under the Trump administration.
Shortstop Mookie Betts, who previously declined a similar visit with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, confirmed he will attend this time, stating his presence is meant to honor the Dodgers’ team accomplishments, not make a political statement.
“No matter what I say or what I do, people are gonna take it as political. But that’s definitely not what it is,” Betts told reporters. “This is about what the Dodgers were able to accomplish last year.” He also expressed regret over skipping the Red Sox’s visit, acknowledging that his absence may have detracted from that team’s moment of recognition.
First baseman Freddie Freeman will not attend due to a right ankle sprain that recently landed him on the 10-day injured list.
The visit aligns with the Dodgers’ road trip to Washington, D.C., where they will begin a three-game series against the Nationals on Monday.
Pitcher Blake Treinen, a vocal Trump supporter, said he is looking forward to Monday’s visit.
“I’m pumped. The greatest president of my lifetime,” Treinen said of Trump. “Excited to meet him, shake his hand, thank him for what he is doing.”
The Dodgers last visited the White House on July 2, 2021, during President Joe Biden’s administration, after winning the 2020 World Series.
