Trump hails Dodgers at second White House visit: 'One of the great brands' - ESPN

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump feted Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday, calling the team «one of the great brands anywhere in the world» during a Rose Garden event celebrating its second title in as many years.

Trump said the Dodgers edging the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 last fall capped «a hell of a series.» He indicated that he was surprised to learn that the Dodgers had never before won consecutive titles, but also mused about a third in a row.

«I'm thrilled to say welcome back to the White House,» he said. «And maybe I'll see you again next year.»

The president saluted the team in the East Room in April 2025 to mark its 2024 World Series championship over the New York Yankees. He said before the latest event that he was most excited about meeting Ohtani, whom he compared at length to the legendary Babe Ruth — even saying the Dodgers' star was arguably the best hitter and pitcher in baseball.

«It's truly a great — when you talk about a brand — it's one of the great brands anywhere in the world,» Trump said of the Dodgers. He spoke in front of a table with two World Series trophies and a Trump 47 jersey, which the team presented to him.

The Dodgers also gave Trump what looked to be a replica of a World Series ring. That prompted Trump to exclaim: «Wow. Do I have to report this? I don't want to report this» before slipping the ring into the inside pocket of his suit jacket.

Those in the crowd wore blue Dodgers caps to guard against bright overhead sun, and the band played a jazzy instrumental version of Randy Newman's «I Love L.A.» before Trump took the stage.

Trump described last year's World Series' epic Game 3, during which the