The Los Angeles Dodgers made a visit to the White House on Thursday to be honored by President Donald Trump for winning their second consecutive World Series championship. The team presented Trump with a World Series ring and a Dodgers jersey bearing the number 47.
President Trump acknowledged several players, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Will Klein, with a special mention for Clayton Kershaw. Trump recounted key moments from the Dodgers' postseason run, including Ohtani's performance in the National League pennant and Freeman's walk-off home run in an 18-inning World Series game against Toronto.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke on behalf of the team, highlighting the players' and staff's unselfishness and unity in achieving back-to-back championships. "I hope when you watch our guys play, you can be proud and say, 'These guys do things the right way,'" Roberts stated.
While some activists had urged the Dodgers to decline the invitation, the team's visit is viewed as a continuation of a civic tradition. The White House ceremony, held in the newly renovated Rose Garden, was characterized by discussions focused on baseball achievements rather than political matters. Trump spoke about baseball, and Roberts focused on his players and winning.
The Dodgers previously visited the White House after winning the 2020 World Series under President Joe Biden and again after their 2024 championship. This year's visit marks the third time the team has been honored by the sitting president following a World Series victory.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed the team's ambition, stating, "We are going for a three-peat." The visit concluded with President Trump inviting the Dodgers into the Oval Office to present them with presidential coins.
