The Boston Red Sox will celebrate their World Series championship at a White House ceremony on Thursday, but the manager who led them to the title won't be in attendance.
Alex Cora revealed he's skipping the event in a letter to the newspaper El Nuevo Dia, saying he doesn't "feel comfortable celebrating in the White House" while his native Puerto Rico is still struggling to recover from the disastrous impact of Hurricane Maria.
“Even though the United States Government has helped, there’s still a long road ahead and that is OUR reality. I’ve used my voice on many occasions so that Puerto Ricans are not forgotten and my absence (from the White House) is no different," Cora said in the statement.
In his first season as a major league manager, Alex Cora led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title. (Photo: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
The Red Sox were originally scheduled to visit the White House on February 15, but the trip was postponed. Cora originally planned to go, but backed off his commitment in January.
He told El Nuevo Dia he made a final decision “after a long process of reflection, consideration and understanding from my loved ones."
The trip is considered optional for Red Sox players, coaches and staff. According to the Boston Globe, 11 players – including 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts, starting pitcher David Price and Puerto Rican catcher Christian Vazquez – have said they will not attend.
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