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Trump meets Shohei Ohtani, calls Dodgers star a 'great player'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • U.S. President Donald Trump praised Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani as a "great player" during a White House ceremony honoring the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Trump highlighted Ohtani's unique two-way talent and his unanimous MVP awards, comparing him to baseball legend Babe Ruth.
  • The President, a former high school baseball player himself, also acknowledged the Dodgers' World Series victory and other key players.

President Donald Trump lauded Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani as a "great player" at a White House ceremony celebrating the team's 2025 World Series championship. Trump welcomed the Dodgers back to the White House, expressing his pleasure at their continued success and hoping for a repeat visit next year. The tradition of hosting championship teams is a long-standing one in American sports.

He's truly amazing, and everyone loves him.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's praise for Shohei Ohtani during the White House ceremony.

Trump specifically praised Ohtani, the Japanese sensation known for his dual threat as both a pitcher and hitter. "There hasn't been a player in 150 years of baseball history, other than the world legend Ohtani, who has won the league's Most Valuable Player award unanimously more than twice," Trump stated, adding, "He's truly amazing, and everyone loves him."

The President recalled watching Ohtani's remarkable performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series last October, where he pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hit three home runs. Trump described it as potentially "the greatest game ever played by one player," noting Ohtani is approaching the legendary status of Babe Ruth.

I was watching that game and I said, before the announcer said it, I said to myself, 'This might be the greatest game ever played,' 'This is the greatest game ever played by one player.'

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump recalling Ohtani's exceptional performance in a previous game.

Trump, who himself played baseball in high school, also acknowledged other Dodgers players, including ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for his three World Series wins and veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his honor at returning to the White House and pride in the team's achievements, echoing the hope for another visit next year. The team presented President Trump with a World Series ring.

It's an honor to be back at the White House. We are proud of what our team and players have accomplished, and we hope to be here again next year.

— Dave RobertsDodgers manager expressing gratitude and hope for future success.
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Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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