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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 be going 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 viewed as political figures in today’s day and age.
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts looks on in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)
“I don’t know why the world sees athletes as these political figures or these people that can make change or these people that can do this, that, and the other. We go out and play our sport,” Betts told Digital in a recent interview.
“I’m sure there are some guys in there that that 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 tough position when it comes to visiting the White House because someone is guaranteed to be upset with the decision.
“Athletes, we’re in positions where, you know, especially myself, where I’m kind of damned if I do or damned if I don’t,” Betts told Digital in an interview on behalf of LGND, his glove company.
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President Donald Trump and Mookie Betts shake hands in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 7, 2025. Trump is hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Knowing that backlash will come 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’s let me just make myself happy, you know, make myself happy and get to spend some time with my family. Like I said, I got a new baby, so get to spend some time with her,” Betts continued.
“I don’t really worry about it too much. Like I said, my stance is really that if I’m going to make everybody mad, make somebody mad, then at least I’m gonna 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, Calif. (William Liang/Imagn Images)
Betts is in the 13th season of his illustrious career but has struggled this year compared with previous seasons. The Nashville native is a career .288 hitter with 302 home runs and 944 RBIs, 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.
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