The Los Angeles Dodgers will have another stop to make in the naion’s capital next month before they begin a series with the Washington Nationals: the White House.
The Dodgers on Tuesday announced they have accepted an invitation to the White House to celebrate the World Series title they won last November over the New York Yankees.
‘It’s certainly a huge honor to get the invitation to the White House,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the team’s exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels. ‘It allows us to celebrate our 2024 championship. To my understanding, every World Series champion gets that honor, so it’s a great honor for all of us.’
This will be the second trip to the White House in four years for Roberts and many of the Dodgers players. The team was honored during Joe Biden’s presidency after they won the title the end of the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Department of Defense temporarily removing an article from its official website lauding the accomplishments of former Dodgers star Jackie Robinson’s military service.
The article was apparently taken down as part of the Trump Administration’s directive to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. But after a brief public outcry, the page was restored.
Roberts, a frequently vocal supporter of diversity efforts in Major League Baseball, said he was unaware of the controversy and it did not play a factor in the team’s decision.
‘I respect the position,’ Roberts said. ‘It’s the highest office in our country, certainly in the world, so, looking forward to it.’