Champagne showers, roaring crowds—and a trip to the most scrutinized house in America. Few customs in the world of sports are as time-honored—and often controversial—as the visit of the championship team to the White House. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, their 2025 trip was no exception; it generated discussions and drew criticism throughout the country. Still, amid the political vortex, pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s reflections gave the story a unique perspective.

Anticipation grew over whether the Dodgers would accept President Donald Trump’s invitation to the White House upon securing the 2024 World Series title. The backdrop was complicated: Los Angeles County had primarily voted against Trump in the past election, and the team’s varied lineup reflected a city recognized for its progressive ideals. From many angles, voices argued that attending may be interpreted as support of policies and sentiments many in the Dodgers’ neighborhood rejected. Despite the whirl of opinions, the Dodgers decided to participate in the ceremony on April 7, 2025.

In a last-minute adjustment, Clayton Kershaw was asked to address the stage. First baseman Freddie Freeman was initially scheduled to speak for the club. However, Freeman was unable to attend due to a sprained ankle. Veteran and revered team member Kershaw was asked to intervene. He hurriedly composed comments throughout the flight to Washington with his wife, Ellen, helping him. When reflecting on the experience, Kershaw admitted it felt awkward for him. He said, “Me not having a lot to do with the October run was a little bit, you know—it was a little awkward.” 

Beyond the political connotations, Clayton Kershaw’s thoughts were a moving reminder that the White House visit celebrated group work. While outside discussions concentrated on the consequences of the team’s appearance, inside, it was about celebrating a journey defined by obstacles, injuries, and final triumph. Attending the White House was a decision the LA Dodgers made to put unity and respect above divisiveness, especially in the face of different public and personal views.

The evolution of the White House visit beyond Clayton Kershaw’s insights

Championship teams visiting the White House used to be as standard as confetti after a final buzzer. Athletes in suits, presidents clutching jerseys, cameras blazing—a feel-good event. But in recent years, particularly during and following Donald Trump’s administration, this custom has adopted a fresh—and more divisive—character. Suddenly, it was about where a team stood in the more significant national dialogue, not only about trophies and wins.

Invitations to winning teams arrived with fine print during Trump’s presidency; some clubs refused entirely, claiming social justice issues, while others had their invites officially withdrawn. When the Golden State Warriors hesitated in 2017, news of it made headlines, and Trump tweeted the invitation off the table. In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles met a similar end. These events turned a once-jolly post-season custom into a political and moral referendum.

In this new period, the White House visit evolved to be more theatrical. While some teams chose to shun the circus totally, others used it as a venue for protest or solidarity. The optics were broken down mercilessly—who turned there, who didn’t, what was said, what was served—remember the fast food spread? Not even the most famous American construction could divert attention from the meaning hovering over every handshake.

Entering the White House was a victory lap for the 2025 LA Dodgers and a balancing effort. Attending such a ceremony in the modern environment not only caps off a championship but also generates headlines, splits fan bases, and stirs social feeds. Though politics aside, Clayton Kershaw’s observations reminded us that these visits have significance for the locker room, the grind, and the teammates who traveled here together. The White House visit is no longer what it once was—part message, part celebration, or perhaps both. Perhaps that’s the essence.