The Houston Astros flashed some championship swagger on Monday, August 7 as they made their second trip to the White House since 2017 to celebrate a World Series title.
Our gents who normally don the orange and blue unis stepped out in some killer suits — and kicks — as they made the trip to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden. All Star Alex Bregman rocked some H-Town-worthy, red and yellow Jordans (a nod to the Houston Rockets) with his suit. And speaking of suits, Justin Verlander — who just returned to the team via a deadline-edging trade — was truly on-season and on-theme with his gold/khaki custom summer number.
Super slugger Yordan Alvarez — a strapping six-foot-five and clad in steel-blue custom suit and shades — looked every part the steely Secret Service agent.
Fans have been all over the team on Instagram and Facebook as our guys arrived in D.C. and strolled into the White House like total ballers.
At the official ceremony, President Biden congratulated the team and listed their many accomplishments during their second World Series run that saw the team topple the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies (Biden joked that he wouldn't be able to return to Philly after noting the loss.)
He also spotlighted star shortstop Jeremy Peña for his historic title as the first rookie position player to win the World Series MVP award. Peña, for his part, sheepishly raised his hand and flashed that million-dollar smile.
President Biden then congratulated and welcomed the Astros manager with a generous, “...and this is not hyperbole — the legendary Dusty Baker,” pointing out that the legend and Major League Baseball elder statesman won his first World Series title as a manager with the Astros.
“People counted you out saying you’re past your prime—I know a little something about that,” Biden said with a chuckle. The room, full of team staff, Houston elected officials, and more, erupted in laughter.
Biden also recognized the Astros off the field for “raising awareness for things near and dear to my heart,” such as domestic violence, children battling cancer, and Winter Storm Uri.
In a poignant moment, the president turned away from the podium mic to thank team owner Jim Crane and the team personally for their unforgettable efforts after the Uvalde tragedy through the Astros Foundation, which even included a special game-day experience.
“You played ball in the park with them,” he said with a tone of reverence and gratitude, adding that such time, “validates in a way I don’t think you really understand. You’re an impressive group of men. You really are.“
Crane, afterwards, thanked the president, team, and staff “from the announcers to the guys who clean the stadium.”
“I parked cars with that guy when I was 16,” Crane noted, pointing to Astros senior manager of parking Gary Rowberry. Always gracious with fans, Crane thanked them, noting that they “pay the bills.”
Welcomed by whoops and hollers, Baker, thanked his World Series-champion team, calling them, “the greatest guys I’ve been around.” Baker spotlighted his team's “perseverance” and that what he feels is their best quality: “they genuinely love each other... and I love them all.”
Baker, before the World Series jersey presentation to President Biden, then made a promise that's music to every Astros fans who wants to watch this ceremony again next year: “We plan on repeating.”
Screencap via The White House/YouTube
World Series MVP Jeremy Peña raises his hand as President Joe Biden recognizes his history-making award.
