Astros victory tour to make a stop at the White House this Spring

The Astros are getting some slack for accepting the invite to the White House, but it’s tradition.

In today’s America, the difference between political parties are drastic. There are so many tensions on both sides, which is why I try to avoid politics on CTH. I don’t know much about politics, but I do know the Astros. They won the World Series last year, in case you missed it focusing on politics.

Back in November, A.J. Hinch were asked if they would go to the White House if invited. At the time, Hinch said he was not sure. This was coming off when Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria.

Why wouldn’t they accept the invite?

Many people, including prominent players on the World Series roster, were not happy with how the White House has handled the devastation. 100 plus days later, half of the island is still without power. Carlos Beltran became a big advocate for recovery efforts for Puerto Rico in raising funds.

Carlos Correa waived the Puerto Rican flag after winning the World Series, before proposing to his girlfriend. There were many people affected by the devastation, which is why people wondered if the Astros should even go to the White House.

When someone asked Alex Bregman if he would go to the White House if asked, he said that it would depend on what Beltran and Correa do. Beltran is no longer part of the team, but he would be invited I’m sure. Reid Ryan announced that they had received a formal invite. As Ryan said, “you want to get the invite to the White House because it means your the champ.”

They reportedly will do it at some point this spring, no date has been set. According to Jake Kaplan, the Astros don’t play the Nationals and don’t play the Orioles until the end of the season. Maybe during an off day.

A good turnout?

With your political beliefs on the backburner, it’s still a cool experience being honored by the president. A few players have already confirmed. George Springer, Lance McCullers, and Dallas Keuchel have said they would go. According to Brian McTaggart, Ryan said they will have a good turnout.

Correa addressed this after his free throw tonight at the Rockets’ game. He said, “It’s awesome, it’s a great honor. I know my teammates will think so too so I’m looking forward to it!”

Max Kellerman of ESPN’s First Take disagreed with the Astros accepting the White House invite. He said, via Trent Baker, “It says they’re making a grave error and they’re on the wrong side of history.” Kellerman goes more in-depth into his explanation, but he doesn’t really go into the why.

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If the players believe strongly enough not to go the White House, we may see some people decline. But as Hinch said, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, only one team goes. This is a tradition and should be a non-political event. Can’t wait for baseball to return.