Five years ago, America was listening. The country was grappling with racial injustice after the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, as well as the fatal shooting of Jacob Blake by a Kenosha police officer. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, took to the field in protest.
The summer of 2020 marked a turning point for the Dodgers, with outfielder Mookie Betts refusing to visit President Trump’s White House after declining to do so with his Boston Red Sox team in 2019. Betts’ decision was a testament to the changing social climate, where civil rights violations no longer sparked widespread outrage.
In contrast, the Dodgers recently visited the White House on Jackie Robinson Day, a gesture that felt hollow and hypocritical to many. The team’s willingness to prioritize baseball over taking a stand against racism is a disappointment, especially given Betts’ earlier stance.
The opportunity for the Dodgers to lead the conversation about racial injustice has passed them by. Instead, they opted for the path of least resistance, which may have contributed to a divided team and undermined their credibility as agents of change. Team ownership, particularly Mark Walter and president Stan Kasten, should have taken a stronger stance on this issue.
Their silence has been a betrayal not only to the Dodgers but also to Jackie Robinson’s legacy. The baseball legend fought tirelessly for civil rights, and his influence still resonates today. By prioritizing baseball over principle, the Dodgers are failing to live up to their potential as leaders in the fight against racism.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-04-15/dodgers-jackie-robinson-day-white-house-visit-optics