Dodgers' Mookie Betts Undecided on White House Visit

This hesitation mirrored his decision in 2019 when he declined a similar invitation while playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Betts was among 10 Red Sox players who opted out of the White House visit during President Trump's first term.

Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts,  who had previously expressed reluctance to attend a White House ceremony under President Trump in 2019, has confirmed his participation this year. 

"It wasn't a formal conversation that we had as a ballclub," Roberts said after the team announced its decision to accept the invitation (h/t ESPN).

"It's certainly a huge honor to get the invitation to the White House. 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... I'm going. I respect the position. It's the highest office in our country, certainly in the world, so, looking forward to it."

The Dodgers' visit comes when political actions, such as the recent removal and subsequent partial reinstatement of Jackie Robinson's military history from Defense Department websites, have intensified debates about diversity and inclusion.

Other championship teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles, will visit the White House on April 28 to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.