The Los Angeles Dodgers returned to the White House on Thursday to celebrate their second consecutive World Series championship, in a ceremony presided over by President Donald Trump that once again sparked mixed reactions among some of the team’s fans, especially within Los Angeles’ Hispanic community.
The visit took place nine months after the franchise won the Fall Classic against the Toronto Blue Jays, a title that cemented the Dodgers’ status as one of the most dominant organizations in Major League Baseball. During the ceremony held in the Rose Garden, club owner Mark Walter presented the president with a commemorative championship ring and a personalized jersey bearing the number 47. Also in attendance were Shohei Ohtani of Japan, players from the roster, and members of the coaching staff.
Two prominent figures did not attend
According to various reports, Mookie Betts and Puerto Rican Kiké Hernández were the most notable absences from the delegation.
Hernández, who is currently recovering from an injury, had previously said that he probably would not attend the event.
For his part, Betts explained that he had decided to spend the day with his family and assured everyone that his absence was not due to political reasons.
Even so, the decision by both sides was well received by some fans who had questioned the team’s visit to the White House (Filed under: Dodgers Visit the White House).
Dave Roberts highlighted the team’s commitment
Manager Dave Roberts spoke during the ceremony and highlighted the team spirit of the championship squad.
“I hope that when you see our guys play, you’ll feel proud and say that these guys are doing things the right way,” Roberts said.
The manager also praised the willingness of all the players on the roster to take on any responsibility during the postseason.
Noting that the club’s success was the result of teamwork and not just its star players (Filed under: Dodgers Visit the White House).
A visit that reignites the debate
The ceremony also reignited a topic that had come up the previous year.
When the federal government stepped up immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, a city with a large Latino population.
At the time, some fans criticized the organization for not commenting publicly on the situation.
That debate gained new momentum with the visit to Washington.
One of those fans, Jesse López, told AFP that he would have preferred the team to decline the invitation.
This is due to the strong historical ties the Dodgers have with the Hispanic community in Los Angeles (Filed under: Dodgers Visit the White House).
Ceremony led by President Donald Trump
NuevaOnda.com
Trump praised the champions
During his remarks, the president described the Dodgers as a “truly special team” and expressed his hope to welcome them back in the future.
“Maybe I’ll see them again next year,” Trump said, referring to the possibility that the franchise could win a third consecutive championship.
Controversy aside, the visit upheld a long-standing tradition in American sports:
Host the champions of the major professional leagues at the White House.
However, on this occasion, the event once again demonstrated that, in addition to their on-field success, the Dodgers continue to play a central role in conversations that go beyond the field.
Especially among a diverse fan base deeply rooted in Los Angeles’ multicultural history (Filed under: Dodgers Visit the White House).
For more information, visit NuevaOnda.com
