Report: Mookie Betts Plans to Skip White House Visit
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Courtesy of Creative Commons
By Max Cohen 01/28/2019
Mookie Betts tells the Boston Globe he will not visit the White House. The reigning American League MVP did not publicly give a reason for his decision. The Boston Red Sox plan to take part in the traditional celebration in Washington D.C. but will not force any member of the team to attend.
Betts is the latest member of the Red Sox to either decline or share uncertainty. Third baseman Rafael Devers also said he plans to skip the visit. World Series MVP Steve Pearce and ace Chris Sale have both said they plan to take part in the celebration. Manager Alex Cora has gone back and forth on his position whether to attend, referencing his native Puerto Rico, which is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
The team had originally planned to visit the White House to celebrate their World Series championship on Feb. 15 but rescheduled to May. 9 because of the government shutdown.