Ohtani, Dodgers visit White House

President Donald Trump welcomed Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on Monday to congratulate them for winning the World Series last season.

Trump complimented “the very talented people” who beat the New York Yankees in five games.

Trump singled out several Dodgers for their achievements last season, praising Ohtani for becoming baseball’s first 50 home run-50 stolen base player, Japanese pitcher Yoshi Yamamoto and NL Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman.

Trump praised Betts for his play — and took a dig at the Boston Red Sox for trading him to the Dodgers — and they shook hands at the ceremony.

Trump also had a quip about former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, whom the former New Yorker called a friend. Trump poked fun at the late Yankees owner’s notorious short-leash with his managers after he congratulated Dave Roberts.

“I think he would have lasted even with George Steinbrenner,” Trump said. “You lose two games and you’re fired.”

Roberts called the invitation a huge honor that each World Series champion gets to experience.


(AP video screenshot)