The president remarked that the Dodgers suffered accidents heading into the playoffs but had been in a position to persevere.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers, the winners of the 2024 World Collection, on the White Home on April 7.
The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees within the Fall Basic final October in 5 video games, successful their eighth World Collection title.
Trump remarked that the Dodgers suffered accidents heading into the playoffs but had been in a position to persevere.
“All yr, the Dodgers confronted down adversity. You entered the playoffs battered and bruised, however not damaged,” the president mentioned, noting that the Dodgers used a report 40 pitchers throughout the season resulting from accidents within the starter rotation and bullpen.
In the course of the ceremony, Trump gave shoutouts to Dodgers stars—together with Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts—and members of Congress.
Trump praised Ohtani for his “unimaginable” MVP season, which consisted of 54 residence runs, 50 stolen bases, and 130 RBIs.
Ohtani signed a report 10-year $700 million contract with the Dodgers final yr, with a lot of the cash deferred.
The president reminisced about his relationship with late Yankees proprietor George Steinbrenner, whom he mentioned was “an amazing pal.”
Trump recalled watching Yankees video games with Steinbrenner.
“The Yankees are an amazing staff and all the time an amazing franchise,” he mentioned.
Trump additionally acknowledged that California’s Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, had been within the viewers, however didn’t identify them.
Kershaw praised his staff for final season and what the staff means to him.
“The 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers season is one that can go down within the historical past books. All the time holding a particular place within the hearts of myself, in addition to these there with me and tens of millions of Dodger followers around the globe,” he mentioned.
“This group exemplifies what it means to come back collectively as one for a higher objective, and representing one thing a lot larger than themselves.”
Kershaw mentioned the gamers and employees have “selflessness and humility,” calling it “an inspiration.”
The Dodgers, who’re 9–2 this season, play the Washington Nationals on the night of April 7.