Betts said he isn’t looking to make the visit a big deal, noting that they’ve just had a baby and that days off are precious. He added that family time during the road trip is important to him and that people will likely read more into the choice than intended.
This isn’t the first time Betts has skipped a White House appearance. He previously chose not to attend during the Trump administration after the Dodgers won the World Series in the shortened 2020 season, later acknowledging that attending could become a distraction for the team and expressing some regret over that decision.
Betts has emphasized that his choice this year isn’t about politics. He attended the 2021 White House visit when the Dodgers won during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, but last year he was noncommittal before ultimately deciding to go. He has framed his stance as a matter of loyalty to his teammates and the club, rather than a political statement.
The Dodgers’ 2025 celebration marks another championship milestone for the franchise, and Betts’s decision highlights the importance many players place on personal and family commitments alongside team duties.
