The Los Angeles Dodgers brought more than just their World Series championship to the White House on Monday, they brought laughter. During a light-hearted moment in the East Room, President Donald Trump left the crowd chuckling when he avoided introducing certain political guests.
“We have a couple of senators here. I just don’t particularly like them, so I won’t introduce them,” Trump said, drawing a wave of laughter from the Dodgers roster standing behind him.
The players, fresh off their 2024 World Series win, exchanged amused glances and couldn’t help but crack up at the off-script moment.
Ceremony With Tradition And Personality
The Dodgers’ visit continued a long-standing baseball tradition of champions visiting the White House. The team, currently on an East Coast road trip, stopped in D.C. between series against the Phillies and Nationals.
Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” played as the team entered the room, setting a celebratory tone for the ceremony. Trump, now in his second term, welcomed the team and was presented with a Dodgers jersey bearing his name and the number 47. Team chairman Mark Walter said the organization was “very pleased to participate in the tradition of bringing champions to the White House.”
Manager Dave Roberts noted the decision to attend was a team-wide commitment. “It’s tradition, and we’re doing it unified,” he said Friday. “I’m excited about it.” He also confirmed full participation from the roster.
Among those present was shortstop Mookie Betts, who notably declined to visit the White House in 2018 with the Red Sox. This time, Betts said his decision to attend wasn’t political but driven by team unity. “No matter what I say or what I do, people are gonna take it as political,” Betts told reporters. “But that’s definitely not what it is. This is about what the Dodgers were able to accomplish last year.”
The moment of levity during Trump’s remarks didn’t overshadow the core of the event- a celebration of athletic achievement, team spirit, and a uniquely American tradition. But it did remind everyone in the room that even in a formal setting, baseball still finds a way to keep things loose.
