The Los Angeles Dodgers were in the White House this week. This was the second time the team had made it to the White House. The other time was just recently in 2020, after their World Series win. But that, of course, was not under Trump’s leadership. This time, to celebrate the 2024 World Series win, the team was there to meet up with President Donald Trump. It was a chance to tour the grounds, shake hands, and mark another key moment in the franchise’s history.

But while some were all smile being there. Some were not interested in being there! Freddie Freeman had no choice but to miss the visit due to an injury. But Enrique Hernandez, well, he is one player who didn’t seem like he wanted to be there.

In a recent video, Hernandez shared what the day out in the White House was for him. And even though it was in Spanish, he did highlight a drawn-out wait time and a lack of interest in speaking to the president.

Hernandez highlighted with annoyance, “They made us sit on a couch for like three hours. Then he told us to stand up; they made us line up, and we waited…. The man spoke about his thing, and we all left.” But this was not even the most crucial part. Enrique said, “It wasn’t that I was very interested in talking to him. I went to play the championship last year. I was there with my teammates to see the White House. I didn’t go to meet anyone or have a conversation with anyone.”

However, Hernandez did clarify that there were no team pressures or a directive that they had to visit. It was a personal choice, and clearly he did it for his team. Meanwhile, a moment between him and Trump was caught on camera. The president called out Hernandez’s name, walked over, shook his hand, and returned to the podium. Then he commented, “Hell of a grip,” about the 33-year-old. In fact, these were not the only comments by the commander in chief.

Trump continued appreciating the Los Angeles Dodgers, calling them the best-looking people he has seen. He also praised the 4-1 win over the New York Yankees. He praised Shohei Ohtani, saying, “What a guy.” But then he led Ohtani to the Declaration of Independence for a photo, which many thought was confusing. But well, everyone smiled for the photos, regardless of whether they loved it or not. Talking of love, Mookie Betts was there too!

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts makes it to the White House

There was plenty of noise, debating whether Mookie Betts would be in the White House with the rest of his team. He after all was famously missing back in 2019. Even  though he had won with the Red Sox, he skipped put on the white house celebrations. But fast forward to 2025, and things are different. Now as a Los Angeles Dodger standout, and once again a World Series champ, he made it to Washington, DC. But not without reason.

Earlier this month, Betts talked about him skipping the White House visit back in 2019. According to him, he regrets it because he made that all about him. Betts clarified he was there for the team, “I want it to be about the Dodgers because these boys were with me in the dark times when all this stuff was coming out in the playoffs about I was 0 for 20, I’ve got to do this, I’ve got to do that.” He said he wouldn’t be able to look at the mirror if he didn’t make this trip down. And it’s exactly what Enrique Hernandez might have felt too.

“I just didn’t want my absence to become the headline. I’m here for the team,” said Betts. And well, he met Trump, and not just that; the president had quite a few pleasantries to share too. Even though he did end up taking a dig at the Red Sox in the process. “Mookie. That guy can play. I mean, unbelievable. He really … Mookie, I’ve been watching—I don’t want to say I watched him when he was on [the] Boston [Red Sox], but I did. I didn’t think that was a particularly good trade when they made it. And I happen to be right!”

One thing is for sure, the Dodgers are solid, not just at gameplay but as a team. They have a bond amongst the platers, and maybe it’s what cuts them apart. Do you think so too?