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Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts just wants to be a baseball player, not a political figure or a political vehicle for people to advance their agendas.
Betts, 33, visited the White House after the Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, but will not be there this year. The four-time World Series champion said he just had a baby and wanted to spend time with his family, and insisted the decision was not politically motivated.
The American League MVP winner questioned why athletes are considered political figures these days.
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts attends the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)
“I don’t know why the world looks at athletes as these political figures or these people who can make change or these people who can do this, that and the other thing. We go out and play our sport,” Betts told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview.
“I’m sure there are guys in there who love politics and want to be involved in it, but I don’t know why the world sees us that way. But it kind of is what it is.”
The eight-time All-Star said athletes are in a difficult position when it comes to visiting the White House because someone is guaranteed to be upset by the decision.
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President Donald Trump and Mookie Betts shake hands in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, Monday, April 7, 2025. Trump hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their victory in the 2024 World Series. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Knowing that backlash would occur regardless of his decision, Betts decided to do what was best for him and his family.
“So instead of trying to make other people happy, it allows me to make myself happy, you know, make myself happy and spend time with my family. Like I said, I have a new baby, so I spend time with her,” Betts continued.
“I’m not really worried about it. Like I said, my position really is that if I’m going to make everyone angry, make someone angry, then at least I’m going to make myself happy. So, that’s where I’m at.”
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is greeted by first base coach Chris Woodward after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (William Liang/Imagn Images)
Betts is in the 13th season of his illustrious career, but has struggled this year compared to previous seasons. The Nashville native is a career .288 hitter with 302 homers and 944 RBIs, but is hitting just .235 with 11 homers and 31 RBIs this season.
The six-time Gold Glove winner will look to get back on track in the second half and help the Dodgers win a third straight World Series title.
