WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers, the winners of the 2024 World Series, at the White House on April 7.
The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic last October in five games, winning their eighth World Series title.
Trump remarked that the Dodgers suffered injuries heading into the playoffs yet were able to persevere.
“All year, the Dodgers faced down adversity. You entered the playoffs battered and bruised, but not broken,” the president said, noting that the Dodgers used a record 40 pitchers during the season because of injuries in the starting rotation and bullpen.
During the ceremony, Trump gave shoutouts to Dodgers stars—including Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts—and members of Congress.
Trump praised Ohtani for his “incredible” MVP season, during which he had 54 home runs, 50 stolen bases, and 130 RBIs.
Ohtani signed a record 10-year $700 million contract with the Dodgers last year, with most of the money deferred.
The president reminisced about his relationship with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, now deceased, who he said was “a great friend.”
Trump recalled watching Yankees games with Steinbrenner.
“The Yankees are a great team and always a great franchise,” he said.
Trump also acknowledged that California’s Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, were in the audience but didn’t name them.
Kershaw praised his team for last season and what the team means to him.
“The 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers season is one that will go down in the history books, always holding a special place in the hearts of myself, as well as those there with me and millions of Dodger fans around the world,” he said.
“This organization exemplifies what it means to come together as one for a greater purpose, and representing something so much bigger than themselves.”
Kershaw said the players and staff have “selflessness and humility,” calling it “an inspiration.”
The Dodgers, who are 9–2 this season, play the Washington Nationals on the evening of April 7.
