While some pro athletes and teams choose to turn an invitation to the Trump White House into an opportunity to step up on their political soapboxes, plenty of others are still honored by the opportunity.
And that even extends to the far-left bastion of Los Angeles.
According to USA Today:
As back-to-back World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be making their second consecutive trip to the White House.
ADVERTISEMENTThis return engagement will look just a little different, however.
While the Dodgers counted full attendance among players and staffers when they visited in April 2025, this visit to President Donald Trump’s White House will be missing at least two key players. Mookie Betts has said he will take the day off to spend time with his wife and three children, including a newborn daughter accompanying them on the road trip.
And Kiké Hernández, who is working his way back from an oblique injury, remains inactive, although he has indicated he might not attend the ceremony if healthy.
The same article later addressed some mumblings about players opposed to the visit on political grounds:
Betts did not visit the White House with the Boston Red Sox in 2019, one year after they won the World Series. This time, he tells the New York Post, his absence isn’t politically motivated, although “people are going to try to drag me into politics. That’s just the cards I’m dealt. So it is what it is.”
Coverage of the ceremony soon spread via social media:
WATCH: President Trump is gifted an honorary World Series championship ring and jersey from the Los Angeles Dodgers as they visit the White House. pic.twitter.com/HBCGp9rq3f
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 23, 2026
"I don't know what the hell that means."
President Trump gets laughs while honoring the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House after reading a statistic saying they played the longest season in Major League Baseball history.
Trump pauses and chuckles, then… pic.twitter.com/TeObJAaPFc
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 23, 2026
NOW: President Trump welcomes the 2025 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House.
"For the first time in the proud history of this famous franchise, you are repeat champions.
"I'm thrilled to say welcome back to the White House. And maybe I'll see you again… pic.twitter.com/fx6xiJjAsL
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 23, 2026
AOL added these details:
While the trip has left some loyal Dodgers fans conflicted, team manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the visit is an honor and not about politics.
“Honestly, like I’ve always said — my company line, my personal line — is I hope that we get this invitation every year, because that’s the goal, to win a championship, to get this invitation to the White House,” Roberts said Friday.
It remains unclear which players will attend the event. However, Mookie Betts and Enrique “Kiké” Hernández have confirmed they will skip the visit.
The sports tradition of championship teams visiting the White House dates back to 1869.
“As was the case one year ago, the Dodgers’ upcoming visits to the White House and Capitol Hill follow the longtime tradition of visits by other World Series champions. We appreciate these tributes in recognition of our back-to-back championships,” the Dodgers organization said in a statement.
Here’s some additional coverage:
🔥 NOW: President Trump brings the LA Dodgers into the Oval Office for a surprise visit, and presents them Presidential Challenge Coins
You can tell by all the laughter from the team that they’re having a HELL of a time 🤣 pic.twitter.com/uw2wfZ7klo
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 23, 2026
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