WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 26, 2025 — In a unique cross-section of sport and civic service, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a symbolic and celebratory visit to Capitol Hill on Monday afternoon. The event featured a special bipartisan reception hosted by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler of California to honor the Dodgers’ contributions to the state, both on and off the field.
For a team often in the national spotlight due to its All-Star roster and World Series aspirations, this visit wasn’t about the box score. Instead, it was about legacy, community service, and the special bond between California’s most storied baseball franchise and the values of leadership and civic responsibility.
This rare moment offered a glimpse into how professional sports teams, especially those with the gravitas of the Dodgers, can transcend their role in entertainment and become powerful ambassadors for community upliftment, diversity, and even national unity.
A Star-Studded Arrival
The Dodgers contingent arrived at Capitol Hill under a clear D.C. sky. Led by manager Dave Roberts and team president Stan Kasten, the delegation included several marquee players: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, and Clayton Kershaw — a mix of established legends and global stars.
The players, dressed in sharp navy-blue suits and sporting lapel pins with both American and Dodgers flags, were welcomed with applause by lawmakers and Capitol staffers. As they made their way into the Russell Senate Office Building, the buzz resembled that of a Hollywood red carpet event. Tourists and staffers alike paused for selfies and quick handshakes with their baseball heroes.
“It’s not every day the Dodgers come to town,” remarked Senator Padilla, smiling. “We wanted to make sure we showed them the respect and gratitude they’ve earned as champions on and off the field.”
A Reception Rooted in Gratitude and Impact
Inside one of Capitol Hill’s grand committee rooms, decked out in blue and white balloons with Dodgers paraphernalia on display, the event began with brief remarks from Senator Butler, who emphasized the team’s influence beyond the diamond.
“The Dodgers represent more than baseball,” Butler said. “They are a living example of perseverance, equality, and community investment. From Jackie Robinson to Fernando Valenzuela to today’s stars, the Dodgers have shaped the social fabric of our state and our country.”
Senator Padilla then stepped in with a lighthearted quip: “As a lifelong Dodgers fan, it’s a dream come true to host this team here — though I had to resist the urge to wear my jersey under this suit.”
Following the Senators’ speeches, Manager Dave Roberts, the first African-American manager in Dodgers history, took the podium to thank both senators and reflect on the moment.
“To stand here with our players and see the admiration from the highest levels of government is humbling,” Roberts said. “Our team is committed not only to winning games, but also to being role models and giving back to our communities. This visit inspires us to keep using our platform for good.”
Mookie Betts Speaks on Civic Engagement
One of the afternoon’s highlights came when Dodgers right fielder and former MVP Mookie Betts addressed the crowd. Known for his articulate leadership on social issues, Betts spoke on the importance of civic responsibility, especially among athletes.
“Athletes today have a bigger voice than ever,” Betts said. “It’s our duty to use that voice — not just for endorsements or highlights, but for real conversations about voting, justice, education, and equality.”
He praised the Dodgers organization for backing player-led initiatives, including community outreach, youth mentorship, and voter registration drives. Betts even teased a potential post-baseball career in public service, drawing chuckles and applause.
“Let me finish my playing days first,” he laughed. “Then we’ll talk about politics.”
A Nod to Dodgers History and Heritage
The reception also honored the Dodgers’ storied past. A brief video tribute featured highlights from key moments in franchise history — from Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947, to Kirk Gibson’s iconic 1988 home run, to their 2020 World Series championship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special mention was given to Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese superstar whose arrival in Los Angeles this season has sparked international excitement. Though Ohtani kept a low profile at the event, his presence commanded attention. He offered a few brief words through his interpreter, thanking California for the warm welcome and expressing his gratitude for the team and its fans.
“I’m proud to be part of the Dodgers and look forward to contributing to our future success,” Ohtani said modestly.
Youth Empowerment and the Dodgers Foundation
The Dodgers’ trip to Capitol Hill also included advocacy for youth and education. Naomi Rodriguez, Vice President of External Affairs & Community Relations, spoke about the Dodgers Foundation’s programs aimed at addressing the opportunity gap in underserved communities.
“Our work is grounded in providing hope and access,” Rodriguez explained. “From building baseball fields in inner cities to funding college scholarships and offering free STEM tutoring, we want to change lives — not just games.”
Several lawmakers pledged their support for the Foundation’s initiatives and applauded the Dodgers’ commitment to leveling the playing field, especially in Los Angeles’ lower-income neighborhoods.
Bipartisanship Through Baseball
In a time of frequent partisan gridlock, the Dodgers’ visit offered a refreshing reminder that baseball — America’s pastime — still has the power to unite.
Democratic and Republican members alike mingled during the reception, some sharing childhood stories of attending Dodgers games or watching Sandy Koufax pitch in black-and-white television glory. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Bakersfield native and lifelong Dodgers fan, briefly stopped by and posed for photos with Betts and Freeman.
“Politics aside, this is about celebrating a team that means something to California — to all of us,” McCarthy said.
The tone was one of civility, nostalgia, and mutual respect. No campaign slogans, no policy jabs — just baseball.
Clayton Kershaw Reflects on Legacy
Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer and longtime face of the franchise, shared his reflections on what the day meant to him personally.
“I’ve been with this team for over a decade, and we’ve done a lot of things — but this is special,” Kershaw said. “Being here reminds us that what we do impacts more than just fans. We’re representing something bigger.”
Kershaw also touched on his foundation’s work with children’s hospitals and thanked lawmakers for supporting pediatric healthcare funding. His message, filled with sincerity, drew a standing ovation.
The Final Moment: Dodger Blue Meets the Stars and Stripes
As the event concluded, Senators Padilla and Butler presented each player with a commemorative U.S. Capitol plaque engraved with their names and the phrase, “For Excellence in Sport and Service.” The team gifted signed baseballs to the Senators in return, and group photos were taken with the Capitol dome in the background.
Outside, a brief press conference was held where both Senators reiterated the importance of using such moments to bridge divides and inspire youth.
“California is proud of the Dodgers — not just for their victories, but for their vision,” Senator Butler said. “Today wasn’t just about honoring a team. It was about honoring what they represent.”
Looking Ahead: The Dodgers Continue Their East Coast Swing
Following the Capitol visit, the Dodgers returned to their hotel to prepare for a critical three-game series against the Washington Nationals. While their focus quickly turned back to baseball, the emotional resonance of the Capitol Hill visit remained strong.
Dave Roberts summed it up best in his closing remarks to reporters: “We’re chasing a championship, yes. But days like this? They remind us why we play — and who we play for.”
For Dodgers fans — and for Californians — the day was a home run. Not for a game won, but for a message sent: That America’s pastime is still a powerful connector in a divided world.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Game
The Dodgers’ visit to Capitol Hill wasn’t just ceremonial; it was a powerful affirmation of what sports can achieve beyond stadium lights. It was a celebration of cultural diversity, civic engagement, and shared values.
From honoring Jackie Robinson’s pioneering legacy to championing today’s pressing issues — including youth empowerment, racial equity, and public health — the Dodgers once again proved they’re more than a team. They’re an institution. One that stands tall not just in California, but across the nation.
