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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 push their agendas.
Betts, 33, visited the White House after the Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, but will not go this year. The four-time World Series champion said he had 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 seen as political figures today.
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts watches in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Kiyoshi Mio/Image Images)
“I don’t know why the world sees athletes as political figures or people who can create change or people who can do this, that and the other. We go out and play our sport,” Betts told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview.
“I’m sure there are some guys out there who love politics and want to be in it, but I’m not sure 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 sure to be upset with 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 will host the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their victory in the 2024 World Series. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Knowing there will be backlash 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 some time with my family. Like I said, I have a new baby, so I spent some time with her,” Betts continued.
“I don’t really worry too much about it. Like I said, my stance is that if I’m going to piss everyone off, piss someone off, 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/Image Images)
Betts is in the 13th season of his illustrious career, but he has struggled this year compared to previous seasons. The Nashville native is hitting .288 with 302 home runs and 944 RBIs in his career, but is hitting just .235 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs this season.
The six-time Gold Glove winner will look to get back on track in the second half and help lead the Dodgers to a third straight World Series title.
