Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Hits Political Controversy

Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández has built a reputation for clutch moments in October and an easygoing personality. However, his decision to skip the team’s July 23 White House visit celebrating their 2026 World Series title has sparked political debate. Officially, Hernández, 34, is missing the trip to begin a minor-league injury rehabilitation for a strained left oblique.

In an interview, Hernández acknowledged, “It’s going to be hard to be in two cities at the same time.” He candidly added, “If I was active, I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways.” This remark did not please all fans.

One fan, Larry, expressed his displeasure in a typed letter. He labeled Hernández as “disrespectful” and a “spoiled, pampered, entitled little brat.” Larry criticized the player and linked his absence to support for a controversial group. Instead of ignoring the letter, Hernández shared a photo of it and Larry’s return address with his 1.5 million followers on social media, cheekily remarking, “SO to Larry for the nice letter! Next time, at least make it handwritten, you nice sir!”

Hernández is not the only Dodger not attending the Washington trip. Teammate Mookie Betts is also skipping the event. Betts previously refused to visit the White House with the Boston Red Sox in 2019 during President Trump’s term. Hernández has spoken against Trump’s immigration policy before. In 2025, tensions rose when rumors spread that immigration officials were at Dodger Stadium. Clarification later revealed these officials were conducting unrelated routine operations.

White House visits, once seen as a non-partisan celebration, have become ideological battlegrounds. Doxxing a fan over criticism is controversial. Whether you agree with Larry or Hernández, the incident highlights growing tensions.