Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has announced he will not participate in the team's upcoming White House visit scheduled for July 23. The decision by the 33-year-old comes as the reigning champions prepare for the traditional celebration, and as the franchise navigates ongoing discussions surrounding such ceremonial events.
Betts Cites Family as Primary Reason
Betts clarified his absence is due to personal circumstances, specifically the recent birth of his child. He stressed his desire to maximize rare off-days with his family rather than attend the event.
I’m not trying to make this a whole big deal. We just had a baby. You don’t get many days off. They’re coming [on the road trip]. And just want to hang out with the fam. That’s really kind of it. But people are gonna make it a whole bunch of other stuff.
He acknowledged the public nature of his decision, anticipating scrutiny regardless of his choice to go or not.
If I do [go], people are gonna hate me. If I don’t, people are gonna hate me. So instead of trying to make everyone else happy, I’m gonna think about myself and my family.
Betts affirmed his decision was not politically motivated, noting he had previously visited the White House after the team's 2024 championship victory.
People are gonna try to drag me into politics, just because I am who I am. That’s just the cards I’m dealt. So it is what it is.
Ongoing Debate Surrounds Team Visits
The Dodgers organization has frequently found itself at the center of discussions regarding White House invitations. Following their 2024 World Series victory, the team accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump, which drew criticism from some commentators and fans.
Similar reactions followed their 2025 title, with groups like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network urging the team to take a stance on what they termed "the right side of history." Writers for the Los Angeles Times also commented on the perceived incongruity of a celebratory visit at the time, stating, "All in all, it’s hard to imagine the Dodgers agreeing to a celebratory photo op with the president right now. Los Angeles is not just Dodger blue, but Democrat blue."
Many observers, however, contend that these ceremonial White House visits are traditional and apolitical. They point out that the Dodgers' roster likely encompasses a wide range of political views, as does their extensive fanbase, which extends beyond Los Angeles County. While Los Angeles County is a Democratic stronghold, it also numerically holds more registered Republicans than any other county in the country, and the team has a significant national following in states like Arizona, Georgia, and Texas, where ideological views often differ from those in the team's home county.
Other Player Decisions and Timing Considerations
Mookie Betts' decision comes amidst a demanding baseball season where off-days are scarce, and the White House trip entails a significant time commitment and formal attire. He did make the trip last season.
The All-Star break commences the Monday prior to the visit, offering Betts three days off, followed by a travel day to New York for games against the Yankees, which begin Friday night. While this period might seem opportune for such a trip, Betts has made the journey multiple times before, potentially diminishing its novelty for him.
Infielder Kiké Hernandez also stated he would not be attending the White House visit. His primary reason is a scheduled rehab assignment that coincides with the team's East Coast trip. Hernandez, however, additionally indicated to reporters that he likely would have declined the invitation due to his views on immigration policy.
Manager Dave Roberts has consistently emphasized the significance of receiving a White House invitation, viewing it as a direct acknowledgment of winning a championship. He has previously stated that athletes and coaches should not be expected to be political figures.
