Kiké Hernández, a well-known player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has earned a reputation for his key performances in October and his relaxed demeanor. However, his decision to skip the team’s White House visit on July 23, celebrating their 2026 World Series win, has thrust him into a political debate.
The 34-year-old is officially missing the trip due to a minor-league rehabilitation assignment for a strained left oblique. On April 29, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, he made an appearance where he pitched in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins, wearing a unique pitcher hybrid helmet/cap. Hernández explained, “It’s going to be hard to be in two cities at the same time,” though he also confessed, “If I was active, I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways.”
This candid statement didn’t sit well with Larry, a displeased fan who sent a letter criticizing Hernández. The letter accused him of being disrespectful and spoiled, citing the Dodgers’ association with a controversial group, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Instead of discarding it, Hernández shared a photo of the letter with Larry’s address visible to his 1.5 million social media followers, adding, “SO to Larry for the nice letter! Next time, at least make it handwritten, you nice sir!”
Hernández is not alone in choosing to avoid the Washington trip. He had previously attended the White House in April 2025 after a 2024 championship and later expressed regret. Mookie Betts, a superstar teammate, also plans to skip the event. Betts previously drew attention by declining a White House visit with the Boston Red Sox in 2019 during Donald Trump’s presidency. Hernández has openly criticized Trump’s immigration policies.
The Dodgers faced heightened tensions in 2025 amid rumors of immigration officials at Dodger Stadium. While early claims suggested ICE targeted fans, it was later confirmed that California Border Control agents were conducting routine checks not related to local sweeps.
White House visits for championship teams, once universally non-partisan celebrations, now serve as a stage for ideological conflicts. Whether you side with Larry or Hernández, publicly exposing a fan’s information crosses a boundary.
For more insights, reach out to [email protected] or follow on X: @alejandroaveela. Alejandro Avila, based in Southern California, is a longstanding writer at OutKick.