The Washington Nationals celebrated their epic World Series victory at the White House today with President Trump – a historical moment full of patriotism and the good ol’ American spirit you can’t get enough of today.
When invited up to the podium by President Trump, a frankly beautiful exchange happened between catcher Kurt Suzuki and our POTUS.
Suzuki stole the show, whipping out a MAGA hat and putting it on as he took the podium, declaring “I love you all. Thank you,” as President Trump gave him a hug from behind and praised him.
Watch the awesome moment Suzuki dons a MAGA hat at the White House and earns a hug from none other than Donald Trump here (starts at 5:59 on Youtube):
Not all Nats players were excited about the White House invitation, with a few players, like reliever Sean Doolittle refused to attend.
SF Gate has more to say about Suzuki's patriotic, unashamed pro-Trump, pro-America move during his team's White House visit:
President Trump stuck mostly to sports Monday while honoring the World Series champion Nationals, who had a handful of players skip the White House visit.
Amid an impeachment inquiry on Capitol Hill and Washington feting its first Major League Baseball champion since 1924, Trump hugged Kurt Suzuki after the former A’s catcher put on a “Make America Great Again” cap. Trump received a No. 45 Nationals jersey from first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, applauding the team’s first title and calling it a “comeback story for the ages.”
“Everyone fell in love with Nats baseball,” Trump said during the half-hour ceremony on the South Lawn attended by thousands of fans. “That’s all they wanted to talk about — that and impeachment. I like Nats baseball more.”
Eighteen of the 25 players on Washington’s World Series roster decided to attend. Reliever Sean Doolittle, who — along with his wife, Eireann Dolan — has worked with Syrian refugees and military veterans and supports gay rights, did not attend the event. Also among those not listed as attending were National League MVP finalist Anthony Rendon, outfielders Victor Robles and Michael A. Taylor, and pitchers Joe Ross, Javy Guerra and Wander Suero.
USA Today talked to Kurt Suzuki post-White House visit.
Here's what the baseball star had to tell them about why he decided to show his support of the president during the visit:
Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki says he was "just trying to have some fun" wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat at the team's World Series championship ceremony at the White House with President Donald Trump on Monday.
"It was amazing. That was the president. Just trying to have some fun," Suzuki told USA TODAY Sports in a text message after the team's visit on Monday.
"Everybody makes everything political. It was about our team winning the World Series," Suzuki said in another text.
Trump called Suzuki to the podium during the ceremony and the 36-year-old put on the red hat, which appeared to be autographed. Trump then hugged Suzuki from behind as Suzuki told the crowd: "I love you all. I love you all. Thank you."
Most Nationals players were present at the White House.
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