Red Sox visit to White House could be contingent on government shutdown
The team is scheduled to visit on Feb. 15.
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — Red Sox principal owner John Henry said Friday night that the team’s visit to the White House next month could be contingent on whether the federal government remains shut down. Saturday will mark the 28th day of the shutdown as partisan bickering continues. The Red Sox are scheduled to visit the White House on Feb. 15.
“It’s something we’ll be watching. It would be tough,’’ Henry said.
“It’s our intention to go,’’ added team chairman Tom Werner. “We went when President [George W.] Bush honored the team. We went when President Obama honored the team. We look at it as a way to celebrate what the team accomplished. But, as John said, it’s awkward if there’s a shutdown.’’
Henry and Werner said they would join the team if the visit were made. But they reiterated that every player and staff member is free to decline.
“It’s each person’s decision,’’ Henry said.
Sox manager Alex Cora is considering whether to attend after learning the White House attempted to block federal funds meant to help his native Puerto Rico rebuild after Hurricane Maria.
“Right now I can say yes. It might change tomorrow,’’ Cora said on Thursday.
Several Red Sox players — as yet unidentified — have informed the team they would skip the visit. Ryan Brasier and Brock Holt are among those who said they would attend.
