Mookie Betts, who won his second World Series in October with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be commemorating a World Series victory with President Donald Trump for the first time this weekend. Betts had previously won a title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, the same year he was named American League MVP. However, he chose to skip the team’s celebration at the White House in 2019. Betts expressed that this decision was not about himself but about the Dodgers and the support they had given him. He regretted not making the trip in 2019 and felt that he was a distraction at the time.
Betts explained that it was a tough spot to be in as a Black man in America, knowing that no matter what decision he made, someone would be upset and have their own opinion. He emphasized that his decision to attend the White House celebration was not about politics but about his loyalty to the Dodgers and the team’s accomplishments the previous year. Other Dodgers players had also been asked about their status for the trip, but Betts’ decision was of particular interest given the political climate. The Dodgers had defeated the New York Yankees, Trump’s hometown team, in five games during the World Series.
In contrast to Betts’ decision to attend the White House celebration, former Red Sox manager Alex Cora had chosen to skip out on meeting Trump in 2019 to prioritize his home country of Puerto Rico. Cora was not satisfied with the federal government’s response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017. This decision was met with controversy, as Cora faced criticism for his absence at the White House. The upcoming visit by the Philadelphia Eagles and the previously visited Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers serve as examples of the tradition of sports teams visiting the White House to celebrate their victories.
Despite the potential political implications of attending the White House celebration, Betts remained focused on the Dodgers and his loyalty to his teammates. He reiterated that his decision was not about himself or his personal beliefs but rather about honoring the team’s accomplishments and their unity. Betts reflected on his regret for missing the opportunity to visit the White House in 2019 and expressed his gratitude for the Dodgers’ support. The Dodgers’ victory over the Yankees in the World Series added an additional layer of significance to the upcoming White House visit for Betts and his teammates.
Overall, Betts’ decision to attend the White House celebration with President Trump represents a complex intersection of sports, politics, and personal values. His focus on honoring his team’s achievements and his loyalty to his teammates illustrates the importance of unity and camaraderie in sports. Despite the potential backlash and controversies surrounding such visits, Betts remained steadfast in his decision to commemorate the Dodgers’ World Series victory with the President. The upcoming visit by the Eagles and the Panthers further highlights the longstanding tradition of sports teams visiting the White House to celebrate their successes.
