LA Times writers suggest World Series champion Dodgers should skip White House visit: ‘Thanks, but no’

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Uncertain White House Visit

The Los Angeles Dodgers, as the reigning World Series champions, have earned the traditional opportunity to celebrate their victory with a visit to the White House. However, this tradition is not without its challenges and controversies, especially given the current political climate. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times hinted that the Dodgers might skip this visit, citing the strong political stance of some players, owners, and the broader Democratic leanings of Los Angeles. Mookie Betts, the star outfielder, has been vocal about social justice issues and notably skipped a White House visit in 2019 during his time with the Boston Red Sox. Additionally, high-profile co-owners like Magic Johnson and Billie Jean King have been critical of former President Donald Trump, further complicating the possibility of a team visit.

The Political Climate and the Dodgers’ Dilemma

The Dodgers are scheduled to play a three-game series in Washington, D.C., from April 7 to 9, which is likely when such a visit would occur. However, the Los Angeles Times suggests that it’s “hard to imagine” the team agreeing to a celebratory photo op with Trump, given the political tensions. Los Angeles County overwhelmingly voted against Trump in the last election, and the president has had a contentious relationship with California, particularly with Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump has often criticized the state and even threatened to withhold disaster funds, which has further strained relations. The article argues that the Dodgers should “stand up to, not next to, the president” and politely decline any invitation from the White House.

A Look at Recent White House Visits by Championship Teams

While the Dodgers are weighing their options, other championship teams have made their positions clear. The Philadelphia Eagles, for instance, will visit the White House on April 28 to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory, despite prior speculation that they might skip the event, as they did in 2018. The Florida Panthers also recently visited Trump to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory last summer. On the other hand, the last professional championship team to visit Trump during his first presidency was the 2019 Washington Nationals, just five days after their World Series victory over the Houston Astros. However, even then, not all team members were present, as pitcher Sean Doolittle opted out due to his criticism of Trump.

The Shifting Landscape of Championship Celebrations

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the traditional White House visits in 2020, and by the time restrictions were lifted, President Joe Biden had taken office. Under Biden, championship teams have continued to visit the White House, with the UConn men’s and LSU women’s basketball teams making the trip last year. However, not all teams have accepted the invitation. The University of Georgia football team, for example, declined to visit Biden after receiving an invitation, citing unspecified reasons. Similarly, the Denver Nuggets, the 2022 NBA champions, canceled their planned visit to the White House, stating that they wanted to focus on securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference instead.

The Politics of Sports Championships

The decision to visit the White House has become increasingly politicized in recent years, with teams and players taking stands based on their personal beliefs and values. While some argue that these visits are a nonpartisan celebration of athletic achievement, others see them as endorsements of the sitting president and their policies. The Los Angeles Times article suggests that the Dodgers, as a team deeply connected to a Democratic-leaning city, should use their platform to make a statement by declining the invitation. This perspective reflects a growing trend where sports and politics are increasingly intertwined, with athletes and teams using their influence to voice their opinions on social and political issues.

The Dodgers’ Decision and Its Implications

As the Dodgers consider whether to visit the White House, they are also weighing the potential impact of their decision. On one hand, the visit could be seen as a respectful celebration of their championship victory, a tradition that dates back decades. On the other hand, declining the invitation could be interpreted as a powerful statement against the policies and actions of the former president, aligning with the values of their players, owners, and fans. Given the varying responses from other championship teams, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this decision. Ultimately, the Dodgers’ choice will reflect not only their commitment to their sport but also their stance on the broader social and political landscape.