President Donald Trump welcomed the 2025 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on Thursday, engaging with the team and cracking jokes during a ceremony in the Rose Garden. One notable moment occurred when Trump directed a humorous question to pitchers Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, asking, “Who’s the better pitcher?”
The inquiry elicited laughter from the two players and smiles from other members of the Dodgers organization. Trump spent approximately 20 minutes addressing the team, recapping their successful 2025 season that concluded with a Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series.
Dodgers owner Mark Walter presented President Trump with a custom No. 47 jersey and a World Series ring. The team’s visit to the White House had faced potential scheduling challenges earlier in the season, as conflicts prevented an earlier stop during their opening road trip against the Washington Nationals.
This marks the second consecutive year the Dodgers have visited the White House to commemorate a championship. Three prominent players, Mookie Betts, Kiké Hernandez, and reliever Edgardo Henriquez, were absent from the ceremony. Betts cited family reasons for his inability to attend.
The Dodgers traveled to Washington for the event on their off-day during a nine-game road trip.