Champions and the White House

Article by Lexi Clary

Starting on August 30, 1865, President Johnson made it a tradition for championship teams from the four major sports: basketball, baseball, hockey, and football, to visit the White House to honor and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and victory, as well as their volunteer work in their community. Although other people in different professional sports are invited to the White House as well, these are the four sports that people normally hear about. White house visits are not only limited to professional athletes. While George W Bush was in his term, he started the tradition of honoring each NCAA Division I Champions. Thankfully Barack Obama has continued to carry on what Bush started.

According to an article by Greg Bates, another tradition has sprung from the players visiting the White House.  Teams now make it a point to bring the president of the time, a gift, to show their gratitude for welcoming them into the house.

Photo taken by: Pablo Martinez Menials
Obama parades his costume jersey in front of the press

We all remember the fantastic season the Royals played last year, claiming their well deserved title of World Champions in 2016. That win got them a ticket to meet the president himself, Barack Obama, and in return the Royals gave Obama and several other Politian’s a signed team jersey with all of the team members signatures on it.

The college team that has visited the White House the most is the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, the Huskies. They have visited the house nine times. That’s the most any team has visited.

Another college team that has visited the White House four times within seven years of Barack Obama’s two terms, is the Alabama football team, Crimson Tide.

As anyone would imagine, being invited to the White House is a great honor. Although through the years, there have been a few teams  who have the title of champion and did not make the the trip

Photo taken by: Paul Berswill
Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, An NHL goal tender for the Boston Bruins, decided to pass up the invitation to the White House. Thomas’ explains on his Facebook page that he “believes the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.” He also said that “this is being done at the executive, legislative and judicial level.” And because he has the right of a free citizen, he “exercised that right, and did not visit the white house. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country.” And that was his choice as an individual to make.

Matt Brick, a player for the Ravens did not go to the White House in 2013 because he disagreed with Obama’s support for planned Parent Hood.

Photo Taken by: Charles Dharapak
Obama welcomes the 1885 champions, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears of 1985 wear invited by Obama in 2011 to celebrate their victory of the time. The team could not make the trip in 1985 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Although politics and beliefs do play a role in some of the players attending the invitation, it is still quit an honor to make that special trip and to be recognized by the leader of the U.S.

https://youtu.be/f5HnIR1kemE