Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts has stated that his decision not to attend the upcoming White House celebration following the Dodgers' World Series win is apolitical and personal. Betts, who visited the White House after the Dodgers' 2024 World Series victory, will be skipping this year's event to spend time with his family, including a newborn baby.
Betts expressed his view that athletes are often viewed as political figures, a perspective he questions. "I don't know why the world sees athletes as these political figures or these people that can make change or these people that can do this, that, and the other. We go out and play our sport," Betts told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. He added that while some athletes may be interested in politics, he does not see himself in that role.
Speaking on behalf of his glove company, LGND, Betts described the difficult position athletes find themselves in regarding White House visits, noting that any decision is likely to draw criticism. "Athletes, we’re in positions where, you know, especially myself, where I'm kind of damned if I do or damned if I don't," he said.
To navigate this, Betts stated he is prioritizing his personal happiness and family. "So instead of trying to make other people happy, it's let me just make myself happy, you know, make myself happy and get to spend some time with my family. Like I said, I got a new baby, so get to spend some time with her," Betts explained. "I don't really worry about it too much. Like I said, my stance is really that if I'm going to make everybody mad, make somebody mad, then at least I'm gonna make myself happy. So, that's where I'm at."
Betts is in his 13th MLB season. The Nashville native holds career statistics including a .288 batting average, 302 home runs, and 944 RBIs. This season, he is hitting .235 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs. The six-time Gold Glove winner aims to improve his performance in the second half of the season and contribute to the Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title.