Kiké Hernández, a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is known for his significant contributions during crucial October games and his cheerful demeanor. Yet, his choice to bypass the team’s planned visit to the White House on July 23 to celebrate their 2026 World Series win has stirred controversy. This decision placed Hernández in the heart of a contentious political debate.
The official reason for the 34-year-old’s absence is his commitment to a minor-league injury rehabilitation for a strained left oblique. On April 29, 2025, Hernández was seen at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, pitching in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins. During this game, he became the first player to wear the newly approved pitcher hybrid helmet/cap. He acknowledged the difficulty of being in two places simultaneously but candidly mentioned, “If I was active, I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways.”
This statement displeased some fans, including a specific one named Larry. Larry, clearly upset, wrote an abrasive letter criticizing Hernández. In the letter, he described the athlete as “disrespectful, spoiled, pampered, entitled little brat” and chided the Dodgers for supporting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group he claimed disparages Catholicism.
Instead of dismissing Larry’s criticism, Hernández shared a photo of the letter and Larry’s full return address with his 1.5 million social media followers. Hernández sarcastically commented, “SO to Larry for the nice letter! Next time, at least make it handwritten, you nice sir!”
Hernández isn’t alone in skipping the White House event. Mookie Betts, another star player, also plans to miss the visit. Betts has previously abstained from such visits, notably declining to visit the White House with the Boston Red Sox in 2019 during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Hernández has been outspoken against Trump’s immigration policies. The political climate around the Dodgers grew tense in 2025 when rumors suggested the presence of immigration officials at Dodger Stadium. Though initial claims stated ICE targeted fans, further investigation revealed these were California Border Control agents executing routine activities not linked to local operations.
White House visits for championship teams used to be a non-controversial tradition, celebrating their achievements regardless of political affiliation. In recent times, these visits have transformed into political flashpoints. Whether you side with Larry or Hernández, exposing a fan’s personal information over criticism is a matter of concern.
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