Before their game Friday night in Washington, the Dodgers visited the White House, where they were honored by President Joe Biden in acknowledgment of their World Series triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020. Mookie Betts was not in attendance when President Trump hosted the Red Sox in 2019 (neither was manager Alex Cora) but decided to make the trip this time, sporting a forest-green suit and a ranger hat he must have borrowed from Smokey Bear. It was a bold fashion choice to be sure, though not nearly as ambitious as teammate Joe Kelly’s mariachi outfit.
Betts, a former American League MVP and five-time Gold Glove recipient, had the distinction of being mentioned by name in Biden’s speech. In congratulating the Dodgers on their first championship in 32 years, Biden made sure to recognize Betts’ contributions, calling him “a hell of a ballplayer.” “I’ve often said it’s never a good idea to bet against the American people. I tell that to every world leader I encounter,” said Biden. “Well now we know it’s never a good idea to bet against Mookie.”
Biden noted his chief strategist, Mike Donilon, was once a huge fan of Mookie’s, but that feeling left as soon as the Red Sox traded him. “He doesn’t want to talk to Mookie anymore,” joked Biden. “Mookie left Boston.” That got Mookie, who appeared unusually subdued throughout his White House visit, to finally crack a smile. The 28-year-old has had a down 2021, at least relative to his usual, All-Star standards (.249 AVG with 10 HR and 31 RBI), but had a productive game Friday night, supplying two hits including a two-run single as the Dodgers cruised to a 10-5 victory over the Nationals, extending their win streak to seven games.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram