This Is Probably Trump's Favorite Nationals Player

Kurt Suzuki wears MAGA hat, while several teammates sit the event out
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 4, 2019 5:15 PM CST
Nationals Player Honors Trump in White House Celebration
President Trump embraces Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki at the White House on Monday.   (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Welcomed to the White House on Monday to celebrate their World Series title, the Washington Nationals gave President Trump a No. 45 team jersey, as is the custom on these occasions. But one player gave him another gift: When Trump called Kurt Suzuki to the microphone to celebrate his playoff heroics, the catcher put on a red “Make America Great Again" hat. Trump hugged Suzuki from behind, USA Today reports, then said: "What a job he did. I didn't know that was going to happen." First baseman Ryan Zimmerman, in presenting the jersey, thanked the president "for keeping everyone here safe in our country and continuing to make America the greatest country to live in the world."

Trump was booed by fans at Game 5 of the World Series against the Houston Astros in Washington, and not all of the world champions accepted his invitation. Sean Doolittle, a relief pitcher, said last week he wouldn't go to the White House because of Trump's policy decisions and rhetoric, including his mocking of a disabled reporter. Anthony Rendon, Joe Ross, Wander Suero, Wilmer Difo, Michael A. Taylor, Victor Robles, Raudy Read, Tres Barrera and Roenis Elías did not give reasons for their absences; Javy Guerra said he was preparing for his wedding, per the Washington Post. Stephen Strasburg, the star pitcher who was MVP of the World Series, told Trump their championship season wasn't always easy. But, he said, "we stuck together, we pulled for each other and man, what a way to celebrate finally finishing that fight." (More Washington Nationals stories.)

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