2019 Mookie Betts wasn’t on the same page as 2025 Mookie Betts. It’s not every day that a World Series champion reflects on and calls himself out for a decision he made five years ago. And this time, he wants to make it right. The Los Angeles Dodgers will head to the White House next week to celebrate their 2024 World Series title. Before diving into that, let’s rewind to 2019.

At that time, Betts was a part of the Boston Red Sox and made headlines for declining to visit the White House under then-President Donald Trump. Later in 2021, he decided to join the Dodgers when President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the club following their 2020 championship.

Fast forward to the present day: Betts has decided to go this year, and he also opened up about “why.” The Dodgers, including Betts, will visit to the White House before their series opener against the Washington Nationals.

Betts confirmed his trip to the White House and cleared the air by opening up about it. He stated, “This is not about me; I don’t want anything to be about me. This is about the Dodgers. Because these boys were there for me.” He continued, “I want to be there with my boys because they’ve been there for me.” Clearly, Betts wanted to ensure that this decision was about loyalty to his team—nothing else.

Looking back, he described skipping the 2019 visit as “regret.” That event was also missed by Boston manager Alex Cora and pitcher David Price. Most importantly, Betts owned up to his past decision, reportedly admitting, “I made it about me. … I’m not the same person I was then.” He doesn’t want history to repeat itself.

Betts saw the speculations coming and, to be on the safer side, he addressed it directly by stating, “No matter what I say or what I do, people are going to take it as political. But that’s definitely not what it is.” That was a bold statement, yet a necessary one. Betts made it clear that this decision isn’t about politics—it’s about supporting his teammates and choosing unity.

It’s evident that Betts has done some self-reflection. His choice to stand by his teammates says it all.

Tommy Edman reflects on building double-play chemistry with Mookie Betts

The Los Angeles Dodgers are undoubtedly off to a great start this season. While their offense has been making headlines, their defense has been just as sharp. After all, a new infield pairing has been at the heart of the Dodgers’ defensive strength. Yes, that duo is none other than Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman. Interestingly, together they have been locking in double plays like a cakewalk.

Edman, the versatile utility man, has signed a five-year, $74 million deal with the Dodgers. And for now, he’s at second base. As it turns out, it didn’t take him much time to click with Betts. Recently, Edman shed light on his bond with Betts. Adding to that belief, he revealed, “We talk through a lot of situations… In double plays especially, where we like the ball, where we like to be moving.” Betts, a seasoned shortstop bonding well with Edman, reflects that he loves to share insights and according to Edman, he’s anyway a great communicator. So it makes it easier for them to fine-tune their rhythm.

Productivity is a given result of their bond, but it’s even enjoyable, as per Edman. He continued, “It’s been fun to talk through those things with him.” Two elite players opening up about the game really creates a comfort zone for somebody new like Edman.

With the Dodgers gearing up to take on the Washington Nationals now, they are simply hoping to keep up with their winning streak. The infield might turn out to be their core strength if Betts and Edman ace it together.