Dodgers star Mookie Betts says athletes shouldn’t be seen as political figures
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Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts just wants to be a baseball player, not a political figure or a political tool to push people’s own 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 a new baby and wanted to spend time with his family, and emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated.
The American League MVP winner questioned why athletes are viewed as political figures today.
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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts watches his first at-bat against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)
“I don’t know why the world sees athletes as political figures or people who can make change or people who can do this, that and the other. We go out and play our sport,” Betts said in a recent interview on Fox News Digital.
“I’m sure there are some guys in there who love politics and want to be in politics, but I’m not sure why the world sees us that way. But that’s the way it is.”
The eight-time All-Star said athletes are in a tough spot when it comes to visiting the White House because someone is bound to be upset with the decision.
“Athletes, you know, especially me, are in a position where I’m damned if I do, damned if I don’t,” Betts said in an interview with Fox News Digital on behalf of glove company LGND.
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President Donald Trump and Mookie Betts shake hands in the East Room of the White House on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Knowing that there would be backlash no matter his decision, Betts decided to do what was best for himself and his family.
“Instead of trying to make other people happy, let me make myself happy, let me make myself happy and spend some time with my family. Like I said, I have a new baby, so let me spend some time with him,” Betts continued.
“Actually, I’m not too worried about it. As I said, my stance is that if I’m going to make everyone angry, if I’m going to make anyone angry, at least I’ll make myself happy. 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 his RBI single in 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 this year has struggled compared to previous seasons. The Nashville native has a career batting .288 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 going in the second half and help the Dodgers to their third straight World Series title.
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