The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House on Thursday for their second trip in two years to celebrate their World Series championship. President Trump presided over a Rose Garden ceremony where the team presented him with a custom jersey and championship ring. Key attendees included four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, first baseman Freddie Freeman, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts.
Several prominent players chose not to participate in the event. Shortstop Mookie Betts, who had attended the Dodgers’ White House visit the previous year, indicated he preferred to spend time with his family. Utility player Kike Hernández, an outspoken critic of immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, stated he had a conflicting injury rehabilitation assignment, though he indicated he would not have attended regardless. Pitcher Edgardo Henriquez also reportedly did not attend.
During remarks that touched on various tangents, Trump complimented several Dodgers players and drew comparisons between Ohtani and Babe Ruth. He also mentioned pitcher Clayton Kershaw, noting the pitcher’s strong performance against opponents, though Kershaw has since retired following the previous year’s World Series.
The visit reflected broader tensions surrounding the White House championship celebrations. Roberts stated earlier that the team viewed the invitation as recognition of winning a championship and noted that such visits have been a long-standing tradition. He characterized his role as that of a baseball coach rather than a political figure. The Dodgers’ attendance came as some NBA and other professional sports teams have declined or reconsidered White House invitations during Trump’s term, including the Oklahoma City Thunder following their 2025 championship.
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