The Los Angeles Dodgers’ upcoming White House visit has once again grabbed the attention of local fans opposed to the decision and others around the country who are supporters of the president.
Visits to the White House to celebrate World Series championships are a longstanding tradition, and the Dodgers recently announced they will do so again for the third time since 2020. But the team’s most recent visit generated some headlines following prominent calls to boycott President Trump’s invitation and the decision to skip the trip by one veteran member of the team.
This year’s upcoming visit from the team already includes one notable absence because of injury and likely a second for personal reasons. Meanwhile, a third Dodgers veteran confirmed that he intends to participate in both the White House ceremony and additional events in Washington, D.C. shortly afterward.
Los Angeles Dodgers Veteran Miguel Rojas Addresses White House Visit After Kike Hernandez Opts Out
Miguel Rojas confirmed his plans to attend the White House visit shortly after teammate Kike Hernandez revealed he would not be making the trip.
“Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, a native of Venezuela, said he will be attending the White House visit and will also be part of a Dodgers’ group that will visit Capitol Hill that day,” Bill Plunkett reported for The Orange County Register.
Rojas’ decision was announced shortly after Hernandez allegedly posted and then deleted an Instagram reply announcing the op out. Hernandez confirmed the opt out on Friday.
“Kiké Hernandez won’t be going — because he expects to be on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment,” Plunkett added. “The utility player is currently on the injured list with an oblique strain. A year ago, first baseman Freddie Freeman was sidelined by an ankle injury and did not join the team on its White House visit.”
And Rojas’ confirmation came shortly before teammate Mookie Betts indicated that he would likely skip the trip to spend time with his family.
Local and national fans will continue to watch closely as the Dodgers’ visit nears, with several other veteran players likely to be asked about their own plans.
Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Sends White House Attendance Message
For manager Dave Roberts, the recurring conversation about White House visits ultimately comes back to one goal: winning championships.
“Honestly, like I’ve always said — my company line, my personal line — is I hope that we get this invitation every year, because that’s the goal, to win a championship, to get this invitation to the White House,” Roberts said on Friday, according to The Athletic’s Tyler Kepner.
Roberts’ comments underscore how the organization views the tradition, regardless of which individual players ultimately attend. But individual attendance decisions will continue to receive attention each year, even as the Dodgers’ focus remains on celebrating another championship season before turning their attention back to defending their National League crown.