SouthernWorldwide.com – The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly preparing for another visit to the White House to commemorate their latest World Series championship.
This marks a recurring event for the team, solidifying their place in recent sports history. The Dodgers achieved back-to-back Fall Classic victories, a feat not seen since the New York Yankees’ dominant run from 1998 to 2000.
Following this significant achievement, the Dodgers are expected to be welcomed by President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. The California Post was the first to break this news.
Their most recent championship was secured after an intense Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The game went into extra innings, ultimately decided in the 11th, and is being described as one of the most thrilling contests in recent memory.
However, the prospect of this visit has not been without controversy. Shortly after their victory, an immigration rights group urged the team not to accept the invitation to the White House.
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) stated in an online petition that the Dodgers represent more than just a sports team. They are seen as a symbol of the city’s diverse communities and shared values.
NDLON expressed concern that visiting a president who has implemented policies seen as harmful to vulnerable populations would be a betrayal of the very fans who support the team. They called on the Dodgers to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and advocate for compassion and dignity.
It is worth noting that some players have opted out of White House visits in the past. Brusdar Graterol, a relief pitcher, did not attend the celebration for the 2024 title, reportedly choosing to stay at “my brown house.”
Freddie Freeman was absent from a previous celebration due to being on the injured list. However, other injured players, including Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Stone, Michael Kopech, and Michael Grove, were present at that event.
In contrast, outfielder Mookie Betts chose to attend last year’s celebration. This was a change of heart for Betts, who had opted out of a trip with the Boston Red Sox in 2019.
Betts explained his decision by stating that his attendance was not about him, but about honoring the Dodgers and his teammates who had supported him. He expressed regret for not attending the 2019 trip.
Both manager Alex Cora and pitcher David Price also skipped the 2019 visit. Cora later revealed that his decision was motivated by a desire to show support for his home of Puerto Rico, which was still recovering from Hurricane Maria.
Cora felt that the federal government’s response to the disaster was insufficient and chose not to meet with President Trump at that time.
The Dodgers did visit former President Joe Biden in July 2021 to celebrate their 2020 World Series championship. This highlights a pattern of visits to the White House by championship teams.
Several major sports organizations, including NBA champions, have declined invitations to the White House during both of Donald Trump’s presidential terms. However, the Dodgers, Philadelphia Eagles, Florida Panthers, Ohio State football team, Indiana football team, LSU baseball team, and Inter Miami have all visited the White House to celebrate their championships since January 2025.
It remains to be seen whether other teams, such as the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Hurricanes, will also visit. However, Knicks owner James Dolan has indicated that his team would accept an invitation, which would make them the first NBA team to visit Trump.
The Florida Gators were the first college basketball team to visit Trump since the Baylor women’s team did so in 2019. These visits reflect a complex landscape of sports, politics, and national sentiment.
