PHILADELPHIA — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming World Series championship celebration at the White House. Betts previously chose not to attend a similar ceremony during President Donald Trump’s first term.
The Dodgers have scheduled their visit to the White House for April 7, just before they kick off a series against the Washington Nationals. The team also plans a visit to Capitol Hill the following day on April 8.
Betts, notable for his role as a star outfielder during the 2018 winning season with the Boston Red Sox, was absent from that team’s White House visit the subsequent year. He was, however, present with the Dodgers after their World Series victory in 2020, celebrating during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Mookie Betts stands out as the only Black player from last season’s World Series-winning Dodgers team who still remains on the roster. Ahead of the team’s game in Philadelphia on Friday, Betts expressed that he feels a sense of responsibility in making such decisions.
“Nobody else in this clubhouse has to go through a decision like this except me,” Betts remarked. “It’s challenging, but ultimately, it’s about being with my team for a celebratory event. Receiving an invitation is a privilege, and I want to be there.”
The Dodgers had confirmed through a social media post last month that, continuing a time-honored baseball tradition, they have accepted an invitation previously extended by Trump.
Betts, an eight-time All-Star and the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 2018, has reflected on his past decision to skip the Red Sox’s visit under Trump and feels it was a mistake. “At that time, not being there for them was very selfish of me,” he admitted. “I’d handle it differently now.”
Manager Dave Roberts described the White House visit as a significant privilege bestowed upon each World Series champion team. He noted that the decision to attend was more personal and didn’t involve any formal team discussions. According to Roberts, full team participation is expected, something he sees as important for team unity.
“It’s great he’s going,” Roberts remarked. “We’re all going together to celebrate our ’24 championship.”
For Betts, being alongside his teammates at such an event has personal significance. “Being there with them is important to me so I can feel content that I made the right choice for the Dodgers,” he said.
In other sports celebrations at the White House, the NHL’s reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers kicked off visits during Trump’s second term, being honored at a ceremony in early February. Moreover, the Philadelphia Eagles, recent Super Bowl champions, have accepted an invitation for April 28.
As Roberts put it, “This is part of baseball’s tradition, and we’re doing it in unity. It’s something we’re all looking forward to.”