By: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
The Houston Astros are scheduled and have accepted to visit the White House by invitation of President Donald Trump on March 12. The Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a very exciting seven-game World Series to win their first title ever. The team began with the name Colt .45s in 1962 and later changed their name to the Houston Astros in 1965 when they began playing in the Astrodome. In 2013, the Astros moved from the National League to the American League. The previous World Champion Chicago Cubs (2016) visited the White House by invitation of Trump on June 2017.
Recent visits from other sports: On October 2017, the Stanley Cup Champions (2016) Pittsburgh Penguins visited the White House by invitation of Trump, and on April 2017, Trump hosted the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. The NBA champion Golden State Warriors did not attend this week, declining their invitation after winning the NBA title last season.
The first known official team meeting between a President and an organized baseball team at the White House was on August 30, 1865, when President Andrew Johnson met the Washington Nationals and the Brooklyn Atlantics. The Atlantics won the title of the National Association of Baseball Players. In 1924, the Washington Senators were the first professional baseball team to visit the White House hosted by President Calvin Coolidge.
Baseball teams were the first to accept invitations to the White House, and since then, it has become an American tradition. The protocol is for the White House to extend an invitation to a team–usually a champion–the team can accept or decline, or the White House can also cancel a team visit for any reason, and do not have to explain why. The White House also can re-schedule a visit.
In the past, teams have accepted and visited, but some members of those teams have decided not to go. It is usually left to the individual decision, and that is the way it should be. Nobody should be forced to attend or feel pressure not to attend. Athletes are also protected by the First Amendment. After all, we’re still a country made of individuals, not groups, at least not until the robots take over. Is it that important? Not at all, more symbolic, and in good sportsmanship than anything else, and nobody should lose any sleep over it. I sure don’t. It is like throwing the Ceremonial First Pitch at a baseball game, or playing or singing the National Anthem prior to a sporting event. It is just another photo-op.
Sports Radio Service 