Shohei Ohtani receives VIP welcome from Trump at the Oval Office after Dodgers' World Series title
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a World Series victory in 2024, visited the White House to celebrate their win and were honored by President Trump. With Shohei Ohtani leading the charge, the team is already eyeing a repeat in the 2025 season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high after a historic 2024 season, marking their first year with Shohei Ohtani on the roster. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular: 98 regular-season wins, the most in Major League Baseball, and a thrilling World Series title against the New York Yankees in just five games. Ohtani, who earned his third MVP title, broke the Dodgers' single-season home run record with 54 home runs and made history as the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season.
On April 7, 2025, the Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory with a visit to the White House, where they met with President Donald Trump, who commended Ohtani for his record-breaking feats. With such a strong roster, the Dodgers are already setting their sights on another successful season in 2025, and their odds of repeating as champions look very promising.
ALSO SEE: Trump meets Netanyahu at White House as Israel seeks tariff relief, discusses Iran and Gaza hostages
A special visit with President Trump at the Oval Office
During their visit, Ohtani received special recognition from President Trump, who invited the Dodgers’ star into the Oval Office for a private moment.
In a heartfelt exchange, Trump presented Ohtani with a medal, calling him “an amazing athlete and person” and offering words of high praise. At 30, Ohtani is at the peak of his career, solidifying his status as baseball's face both in the U.S. and Japan.
His global influence reached new heights when he led Japan to victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, earning MVP honors after defeating the U.S. in the final.
Ohtani’s incredible MLB achievements and international success have made him a household name, and Trump’s praise merely highlighted his once-in-a-generation talent, which continues to rewrite baseball history.
The Dodgers' ambitions for 2025
Though the 2025 MLB season is still early, the Dodgers are already looking like the team to beat. With a 9-2 record through their first 11 games, they are off to a great start, with only the San Francisco Giants (8-1) ahead of them in the standings.
It’s too soon to predict anything with over 150 games left, but the Dodgers are the clear frontrunners for a second consecutive title—a feat not achieved since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
In the National League, teams like the Giants, Padres, and Phillies may pose challenges, but none match the Dodgers’ depth and star power. The Yankees and the reigning champion Texas Rangers from the American League will also be contenders, setting the stage for an exciting postseason battle.
While this White House visit celebrated their past success, it also pointed to a promising future. Ohtani’s medal and Trump’s praise reflect his pivotal role in the Dodgers’ potential dynasty.
As the team heads into their next series against the Nationals, they remain focused on building momentum. If they continue their stellar play, another trip to the White House could be in their future, with another World Series trophy in hand, further solidifying their legacy.