Dodger star plays down Trump theory after White | Sports News

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Will Klein emphasised that his resolution and that of his teammates to commemorate their World Series victory on the White House was “not necessarily an endorsement” of the sitting president.

On Thursday, the Dodgers accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue following their historic achievement as MLB’s first consecutive World Series champions in more than twenty years.

Klein was among the many Los Angeles gamers and training employees who made the journey to Washington, D.C., becoming a member of teammate Miguel Rojas and supervisor Dave Roberts on Capitol Hill for conferences with senators and congressional members. It comes as Donald Trump weighs in on Bryson DeChambeau’s ‘menace’ at The Open

During the Rose Garden ceremony, Klein acquired particular recognition from Trump for his excellent efficiency in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series. After coming into the sport within the high of the twelfth inning, he delivered 4 scoreless innings whereas permitting solely two hits, serving to pave the best way for Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run within the 18th.

“He pitched four scoreless innings – that’s right – and sent the game to the record-tying 18th inning at almost 3:00 a.m. on the East Coast,” Trump introduced with satisfaction after greeting Klein with a handshake.

In dialog with Mirror U.S. Sports earlier than Friday’s matchup between the Dodgers and Mets at Citi Field, Klein maintained that receiving acknowledgment from Trump was an “honor” irrespective of the POTUS’ political stance.

“Getting recognition from the leader of your country is … an honor regardless of who it is,” Klein said. “I hope we win another [World Series], but it’s not an opportunity that many people get – to go in the White House itself, regardless of who the administration is. And so I didn’t want to let that ruin what is a really unique experience and opportunity to get to be inside of the White House in general and experience the history.”

Klein acknowledged that, given right now’s polarized political atmosphere, his option to attend the White House go to or boycott the longstanding custom would face criticism regardless.

Prior to this yr’s ceremony, activists urged gamers to reject Trump’s invitation, contending that participation can be interpreted as endorsement of his administration’s immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles.

Klein had beforehand made his place identified by reposting a tweet from Tim Walz following the Jan. 24 killing of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, wherein the Minnesota Gov. known as on Trump to “pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers” out of his state.

“People weren’t going to be happy regardless, and … I think they have reasons to not be happy given everything that’s gone on in our community and around the U.S.,” Klein mentioned.

“LA has been pretty affected by some of the stuff that has happened the past couple years, and I think they’re rightfully not happy for certain reasons. Obviously, I think a lot of people know how I feel. I think there’s lengthy threads on that after the World Series.”

Nevertheless, Klein remained hopeful that his look on the White House wouldn’t be interpreted as a political assertion, including: “I hope they understand where I’m coming from and some of the other guys. It’s not necessarily an endorsement by going.

“It’s more so generally whenever you’re a half of the staff, you go help the staff to help the custom of bringing it to the White House. And so that every one form of performed into that call.”