Los Angeles Dodgers Celebrate Championship at White House as Clayton Kershaw Gifts No. 47 Jersey to President Donald Trump

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a historic visit to the White House in celebration of their long-awaited World Series championship, marking a triumphant moment for the storied franchise and their fans. Amid the fanfare and tradition of the ceremony on the South Lawn, one moment stood out above all others—Clayton Kershaw, the face of the Dodgers for more than a decade, presented President Donald Trump with a personalized Dodgers jersey bearing the number 47.

The number symbolized Trump’s position as the 47th president of the United States following the 2024 election, which saw him return to the Oval Office after previously serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. The gesture, made during the heart of the team’s celebratory visit, carried both symbolism and a touch of baseball tradition. It was a classic moment, the kind of intersection between sports and politics that draws headlines and conversation far beyond the field.

Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer who finally claimed his second championship ring after a lifetime of dominance on the mound, stood beside Trump and offered a few remarks about what the title meant—not just to the team, but to the city of Los Angeles and the sport as a whole. “This one was special,” Kershaw said, glancing at his teammates, many of whom were beaming in the summer sun. “It took all of us. And it’s an honor to be here at the White House representing the best team in baseball.”

Trump, ever the showman, smiled as he held up the jersey, raising it for the crowd and press photographers. “This is a great team, a truly great team,” he said. “And Clayton, you’re a legend—one of the best to ever play. Thank you for the jersey and thank you for the win.”

The jersey moment came near the end of the ceremony, which included speeches from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, team owner Mark Walter, and team president Andrew Friedman. Roberts, speaking with characteristic energy, talked about the team’s resilience during a season that tested their depth and focus. “From the injuries to the pressure, to the grind—it was a year where everyone contributed,” he said. “We stayed together, we believed in each other, and we finished the job.”

The 2024 World Series title marked the Dodgers’ second championship in four seasons, but this one came with a different tone. In contrast to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the 2024 campaign saw a full 162-game slate, packed stadiums, and playoff series that pushed the limits of drama and competition. The Dodgers faced and defeated the formidable New York Yankees in a seven-game classic that featured late-game heroics, dominant pitching, and no shortage of controversy.

One of the defining narratives of the season was the revival of Kershaw, who had battled injuries in recent years but turned back the clock with a vintage postseason performance. His Game 1 gem against the Yankees set the tone for the series, and his emotional embrace with longtime catcher Will Smith after the final out of Game 7 became an instant classic in Dodgers lore.

During his White House remarks, Kershaw alluded to the journey. “You never take these moments for granted. I’ve been around a long time, and this group—this team—has something special,” he said. “To win it all again and then to come here, to share it with the President and with the fans watching, it’s a dream.”

The team’s visit to the White House also included a private tour, a meet-and-greet with key administration staff, and lunch in the East Room. President Trump reportedly spent a few minutes with several players, praising their resilience and expressing appreciation for their competitive spirit. According to sources close to the team, he spoke one-on-one with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and young star Bobby Miller, offering words of encouragement and asking about their offseason routines.

The Dodgers’ trip to Washington, D.C. came at a time of renewed national attention on the relationship between sports and politics. In recent years, professional athletes have become more vocal about social issues, often using championship celebrations as platforms for advocacy or protest. The Dodgers’ visit, however, leaned into tradition. Players wore suits and team-issued attire, smiled for the cameras, and posed on the South Lawn with military members and young fans invited by the White House.

Still, the gesture of presenting Trump with the No. 47 jersey brought its own political undertone. The number, typically chosen to reflect the president’s chronological place in the office’s history, was intentionally selected to acknowledge Trump’s return to power after a contentious and closely watched 2024 election. While not every player on the team may have aligned with Trump’s views, the jersey presentation was framed by the team as a sign of respect and tradition—not a political endorsement.

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman was quick to point out the focus was on unity. “We’re here to celebrate a championship,” he said to reporters after the ceremony. “It’s not about politics today—it’s about honoring our team, our fans, and the incredible effort it took to win. The jersey is a gift, a token of tradition. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again.”

Indeed, the tradition of sports teams visiting the White House dates back generations. While the practice has become more politicized in recent years—with some teams declining invitations or using the stage to make statements—the Dodgers chose to attend, emphasizing the joy of the achievement rather than the noise surrounding it.

Team manager Dave Roberts echoed that sentiment. “I think it’s important that we’re here,” he said. “This is something you dream about when you’re a kid. Winning it all and getting honored at the White House—it’s part of what makes this experience so meaningful. It’s about the game, the fans, and the memories we made along the way.”

For Kershaw, who has long served as a quiet leader and consistent voice of class and professionalism, the jersey presentation was especially meaningful. Teammates said it was his idea to select the No. 47, and he worked with team staff to ensure the jersey would be ready and personalized with “TRUMP” across the back. Kershaw’s delivery of the gift was done with grace and formality, drawing applause from the crowd gathered on the lawn.

Trump, who has a long history of connecting with sports figures and using athletic success to underline themes of discipline and excellence, was visibly pleased by the event. “I love champions,” he said. “And this team—this Dodgers team—they are champions in every sense of the word. I want to thank them for being here, and I want to thank them for giving America something to cheer for.”

The moment closed with the team gathering on the steps of the South Portico for the traditional group photo. Kershaw stood in the middle, Trump at his side holding the jersey. Mookie Betts, who had a historic World Series performance, smiled widely. In the back row, utility man Chris Taylor threw up a peace sign, while young prospect Diego Cartaya raised a miniature championship flag.

It was a moment of joy, tradition, and symbolism—one that will live on in the annals of Dodgers history and serve as a snapshot of sports’ enduring power to bring people together, even amid political divides.

As the team boarded buses and departed the White House grounds, the mood was light. Laughter echoed across the lawn. Players took selfies. And in the distance, the Capitol dome glowed in the early afternoon light. The Dodgers had come to celebrate a title—but they left with a memory few would forget.

Clayton Kershaw, now a champion twice over, walked quietly behind his teammates, the glow of the afternoon sun catching the edge of his suit. In his own understated way, he had delivered a message—one of tradition, sportsmanship, and pride. And in handing over the No. 47 jersey, he had written a new chapter in the ongoing story of baseball’s place in the American narrative.