Donald Trump praises Dodgers' Miguel Rojas for World Series heroics amid fan backlash

U.S. President Donald Trump lauded Venezuelan baseball player Miguel Rojas for his crucial game-tying home run in Game 7 of the World Series, which the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately won against the Toronto Blue Jays. Trump shared his thoughts during the Dodgers' visit to the White House, acknowledging the player's impact despite potential fan backlash.

"Losing 4-3 in the top of the ninth, Miguel Rojas hit his first home run in over 40 days to tie the game. I expected him to do that. Why? I've heard he's a winner," Trump remarked about the Venezuelan player. He also highlighted Rojas's defensive play, joking about whether the team would give him a raise for his performance.

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Losing 4-3 in the top of the ninth, Miguel Rojas hit his first home run in over 40 days to tie the game. I expected him to do that. Why? I've heard he's a winner.

The Dodgers' visit to the White House to celebrate their second consecutive World Series title sparked controversy among some fans. Many opposed the visit due to President Trump's immigration policies. Notably, two key players, Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández, were absent from the event, though the rest of the team attended. Dodgers owner and president Mark Walker presented Trump with a personalized World Series ring and a jersey with the number 47.

This visit ignited discomfort among the team's Latino fanbase, particularly given Trump's anti-immigration operations in Los Angeles, which had previously led to protests and injuries. The Dodgers faced criticism for not taking a public stance at the time. "I wish they hadn't gone. The Dodgers community is based on Hispanics, Latinos, so that's a mistake," said Jesse López, a 45-year-old Dodgers fan, to AFP.

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I wish they hadn't gone. The Dodgers community is based on Hispanics, Latinos, so that's a mistake.