The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their 2024 World Series victory with a visit to the White House on Monday. Despite some previous hesitation about attending, all of the team’s prominent figures were present for the ceremony alongside President Donald Trump.
In his opening remarks, Trump praised the team, referring to manager Dave Roberts as “one of the greatest managers ever to don the Dodger blue.” He expressed his hopes for the team to receive another invitation for a championship celebration at the White House next year.
Following Trump’s comments, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivered a brief speech before handing over a No. 47 Dodgers jersey to Trump. Kershaw, who was sidelined during the postseason due to an injury, shared that he was “in awe” as he watched the Dodgers claim the title last season.
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Post-speech, Kershaw informed Trump that the team had a special ‘gift’ for him, revealing the jersey. The two then took photos together while displaying the jersey.
After the public ceremony, Trump had a private meeting with Shohei Ohtani, the 2024 NL MVP, in the Oval Office.
In the weeks prior to the visit, remarks made by manager Dave Roberts resurfaced, in which he mentioned he would not attend a White House visit if Trump was in office. Mookie Betts had opted out of the White House visit following the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 victory, but stated on Friday that he did not want his absence to become a focal point and would be attending the White House in 2025.
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Both Betts and Roberts made the trip on Monday.
Now that the 2024 championship celebration is behind them, the Dodgers are setting their sights on another World Series title in October, with a strong start to the season at 9-2 after their first 11 games.
