The reigning champion Red Sox will travel as a group from their Spring Training base in Ft. Myers to DCGETTY IMAGES
The Red Sox are planning to "visit the White House" on Feb. 15 to celebrate their World Series win, according to a source cited by Jason Mastrodonato of the BOSTON HERALD. Sources said that the Red Sox and the White House "agreed on that target date, though it could still change." The Red Sox will "not make attendance mandatory" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/16). In Boston, Peter Abraham noted the plan is for the team to "travel as a group from its spring training base" in Ft. Myers to DC and "return later that day." It is "likely the Sox would also visit the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center." Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy said that the government shutdown has "stalled" communications with the White House. Kennedy: "If we or the White House determine it is inappropriate for us to visit during the shutdown, we will obviously adjust." Abraham notes the visit will "essentially coincide with the start of spring training, as pitchers and catchers have their first workout Feb. 13, with position players getting started Feb. 18" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/16).
TOO SOON? USA TODAY's Christine Brennan wonders what the "rush" was for the Clemson football team to visit the White House. Most White House visits "occur at least a month of two after a championship is won." Brennan: "Why did Trump hurry Clemson into the White House a week after the national championship game? Is he really that lonely -- or so desperate for a photo op with football players?" More Brennan: "Why would anyone want to show up at the White House to celebrate anything during this difficult time -- and serve as a prop for Trump in the process?" (USA TODAY, 1/16).
