WASHINGTON — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly made a trade, swapping his jersey for an authentic mariachi jacket a musician gave him at a game earlier in the year. The other Dodgers traded in their jerseys for suits on July 2 when they visited the White House. 

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris invited the team to celebrate their 2020 World Series victory.

Manager Dave Roberts reflected on the significance of the visit for each member of the Dodgers organization attending the ceremony and the entire Dodgers family. 

“We represented the entire organization and the entire fan base on that particular day,” said Roberts.

Biden welcomed the Dodgers to the White House, acknowledging their 2020 accomplishments but also the significance of the Dodgers organization to the United States. 

“The Dodgers are far more than a baseball club. They really are. They are a pillar of American culture and American progress, and that’s for real — the team that brought us the voice of Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela, above all else the heart of Jackie Robinson,” Biden said.

“It was special to be that close to the president and the vice president, and Kershaw gave a really good speech as well. It was a really great day overall,” said Cody Bellinger.

Clayton Kershaw spoke on behalf of the Dodgers organization, thanking President Biden and Vice President Harris for the invitation and acknowledging the challenges that the nation had to overcome in 2020.

Dodgers’ team owner Mark Walter presented Biden with a customized No. 46 Dodgers jersey to represent his position as the 46th President of the United States. Roberts also presented Harris with a custom made Dodgers jersey with her name printed on the back over No. 49, representing her position as the 49th Vice President of the United States.

Toward the end of his speech, Biden turned to the Dodgers and addressed how the visit was truly profound.

“It really means a lot to us that you’re here. The kind of hope that you give the American people… don’t underestimate it,” said Biden.

Roberts expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the White House, calling it “impactful and meaningful.”