The Los Angeles Dodgers received another White House celebration Thursday. Donald Trump repeatedly praised the reigning World Series champions during the ceremony. He applauded their winning culture, singled out several stars, and even hinted he’d like to welcome them back again next year. The event also featured gifts, lighthearted jokes, and plenty of baseball talk.
Donald Trump praises Dodgers as they visit White House
President Donald Trump welcomed the Dodgers to the White House to celebrate their latest World Series title, describing the franchise as “one of the great brands anywhere in the world.” Standing alongside two championship trophies in the Rose Garden, he congratulated the club on capturing back-to-back championships and joked that a third straight title could bring another invitation. “Maybe I’ll see you again next year,” he said.
Trump spent part of his remarks highlighting Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, while comparing Ohtani’s rare two-way talent with baseball icon Babe Ruth. He also reflected on last fall’s seven-game championship series, calling it “a hell of a series,” and admitted he was surprised the Dodgers had previously never won consecutive titles (via ESPN).
One memory stood out for the president. He recalled staying awake until about 3 a.m. to watch the dramatic 18-inning Game 3 victory, saying the Dodgers looked close to defeat several times before pulling through. When he joked that “Luck is OK, too,” manager Dave Roberts smiled and agreed. Trump quickly added that talented teams naturally create their own good fortune.
The ceremony also included a few lighter moments. The Dodgers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey and what appeared to be a replica World Series ring. Holding it up, he laughed, “Do I have to report this?” before putting it into his jacket pocket.
Roberts later kept his own message short, telling the crowd the team was “going for a three-peat.” Trump also noted the Dodgers currently own baseball’s best record after speaking with Roberts before the event, joking that he had been “a little busy with Iran and some other things.”
