Dodgers Honored at White House for World Series Triumph

Ceremony Highlights Team’s Championship Journey

The Los Angeles Dodgers stepped into the East Room of the White House on April 7 to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory, greeted by a rendition of Randy Newman’s ‘I Love L.A.’ as they entered. President Donald Trump hosted the event, marking the team’s first visit during his current term. Pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who missed the postseason due to injury, spoke during the ceremony, presenting the president with a personalized No. 47 Dodgers jersey, a gesture that drew smiles and a handshake from Trump.

The visit came ahead of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, blending a moment of triumph with the grind of the regular season. He singled out manager Dave Roberts as one of the greatest to ever lead the Dodgers, a comment that resonated with the packed room of players, staff, and dignitaries.

Star Players Shine in Spotlight

Shortstop Mookie Betts, who had skipped a White House visit in 2019 with the Boston Red Sox, stood front and center this time. Betts, the lone Black player returning from last season’s championship roster, shook hands with Trump alongside National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. The president reserved special admiration for Ohtani, marveling at his dual-threat prowess as a pitcher and hitter, calling him ‘a rare talent who delivered in the clutch.’

Kershaw reflected on watching the playoffs from the sidelines, saying he was ‘in awe’ of his teammates’ performance. His gift of the jersey symbolized the team’s unity, a theme echoed by Roberts, who had previously voiced reluctance about such visits but attended to honor the collective achievement. The Dodgers confirmed their acceptance of the invitation last month, emphasizing baseball’s tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.

Trump also announced plans to host the team in the Oval Office after the ceremony, a private moment to cap the public celebration. For fans, the event underscored the Dodgers’ dominance, with their 9-2 record early this season signaling a strong defense of their title.

A Tradition Upheld Amid Busy Schedule

The Dodgers’ journey to Washington followed a weekend series in Philadelphia, where they dropped two of three games to the Phillies. Despite the tight schedule, the team prioritized the visit, arriving in D.C. with a full roster of stars. Betts had told reporters on Friday he’d join his teammates, a shift from his past stance, saying it was about the group rather than personal reservations.

The ceremony wasn’t without its quirks. Trump took a playful jab at California’s Democratic senators present in the room, declining to introduce them with a quip: ‘I just don’t particularly like them.’ The remark drew chuckles from some players, lightening the mood of an otherwise formal affair. For the Dodgers, it was a chance to bask in their 2024 glory before returning to the field.

Back home, Los Angeles fans celebrated the moment through social media posts, with many praising the team’s poise and the recognition of their hard-fought victory. The White House visit, a long-standing ritual for champions, reinforced the Dodgers’ place in baseball history, bridging their storied past with a present flush with talent and promise.