The Dodgers are off to a flying start this season once again. But before we go deep into the season, lest we forget, the World Series party is not over just yet. What started in the Bronx after a 7-6 win over the mighty Yankees in Game 4, Ohtani and company may never get over that night in New York. Locker room celebrations? Check. World Series Parade? Check. But something was still missing; a tradition without any Fall Classic celebration is perhaps incomplete.

Currently, the Men in Blue are on the road. After playing the Phillies in a 3-game series, the Dodgers arrived in Washington, D.C., for another 3-game series against the Nationals. But before duty calls, the Dodgers had a stop to make at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. On Monday, the stars were finally out in D.C., and no, not just the political kind this time. Before their Tuesday game, the Dodgers made their way to the White House to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory, and of course, meet the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

Lo and behold, it was not long before two names stole all the spotlight—Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. They didn’t just turn heads; they left President Trump starstruck. Mind you, this same squad led by Ohtani, Mookie, Freeman, and others is the very reason Trump’s favorite team did not win the silverware in 2024.

Although the ex-Yankees’ owner is no more now, George Steinbrenner was very close to Trump. “He and George were very good friends,” Randy Levine, who was president of the Yankees for two decades and who late last year found himself under consideration to be Trump’s chief of staff, told NBC News. Regardless, President Trump acknowledged Mookie Betts well, one who has given lots of pain to the Yankees during his Boston days as well, and of course, Shohei Ohtani. With a grin, Trump said,

“Mookie. That guy can play, can’t he? I mean, unbelievable. I don’t want to say I watched him on Boston, but I did. I don’t want to say that wasn’t a particularly good trade for them, but I’m right.” Well, a part compliment and a side remark is classic. And when Ohtani was called, the cheers were thunderous. And so when the two-way superstar stepped forward, Trump said, “He looks like a movie star. He’s got a good future.” Well, this prediction is simply not wrong. He already has a career meant for the Hall of Fame.

This visit to the White House also marks the Dodgers’ second visit. They first visited in 2020 after winning the World Series. But this is the first time under the Trump presidency. For Betts, this moment held extra significance. He had famously opted out of the White House back in 2019, after winning with the Boston Red Sox.  This time, though, Betts stood front and center—once again a World Series champ. Betts made it clear: “I just didn’t want my absence to become the headline. I’m here for the team.” He also received high praise from the president himself. Moreover, the Dodgers had confirmed this visit as part of honoring long-standing baseball traditions. So Betts might simply be honoring that tradition.

Also, the Dodgers didn’t have just this visit planned. The Dodgers, after opening against the Nationals on April 7, would also be stopping by the Capitol Hill the next day.

Los Angeles Dodgers come bearing a surprise gift for Donald Trump

However, the shenanigans in the White House didn’t end with just that. President Trump also praised Dave Roberts, calling him one of the greatest managers. Well, this shoutout should carry extra weight for Roberts, who had previously stated he wouldn’t attend the White House if President Trump were in office. But on Monday, he was there. Then came Clayton Kershaw, bearing gifts.

Although Kershaw missed the Dodgers’ playoff run last year due to an injury, he stepped up to the mic and said that he was in awe. He was surprised by the Dodgers’ October run. Before wrapping things up, Kersha presented a surprise gift to President Trump—a custom No. 47 Dodgers jersey. It was referring to President Trump’s bid to become the 47th president. And well, they both smiled for the photos.

Right now, the Dodgers are flying high. They crushed it during the Japan Series and went 9-1 against the Chicago Cubs. They also swept the Detroit Tigers, and maintained that energy going against the Atlanta Braves. But they finally tasted loss against the Philadelphia Phillies in a close 3-2. Now they will face the Washington Nationals. The Nationals, meanwhile, are not having a great season. They lost to Atlanta and the Phillies, and now are heading into their matchup with LA. There is a stark contrast.

Do you think this will be an easy series for the Dodgers to clinch? Let us know.