(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump praised the Los Angeles Dodgers, shook the players’ hands and grabbed their arms as he welcomed the 2024 World Series champions to the White House Monday morning.
“I’m used to shaking politicians’ arms. They’re like Jell-O. It’s like steel, all these guys,” Trump told a large crowd who snapped photos with their phones and cheered for the men in the blue. As the president praised various officials and players, he turned around to shake their hands.
Trump cited player Shohei Ohtani for single-handedly starting the 50/50 club when he went 6-for-6 with three home runs and two stolen bases in a game against the Miami Marlins. That led Ohtani to get to 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases.
After shaking Ohtani’s hand, Trump said, “He looks like a movie star. He has a good future. He shattered all of those records.”
As a crowd that included California congressional members and Cabinet members watched, Trump praised players such as outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Later Kershaw stood in front of his teammates and complimented them for their “selflessness and humility” and putting the team first.
“I hope the 2024 Dodgers can serve as an inspiration for many, like they were for me,” Kershaw said before presenting the president with a “Trump 47” Dodgers jersey.
Trump praised Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts for “being one of the greatest managers to ever wear the Dodger blue” and said Roberts could have lasted even with New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner (1930-2010), who fired 20 managers in 23 years.
The 2024 World Series victory was the Dodgers’ second world championship since 2020 and the eighth one in the club’s history. The Dodgers, who are in Washington, D.C., to play the Nationals, will visit Capitol Hill Tuesday.
