Cubs visit White House: Theo Epstein pardons Obama for being White Sox fan
The Chicago Cubs visited the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their first World Series championship in 108-years.
“They said this day would never come,” President Obama opened his welcome speech.
The team will present him with a Cubs jersey, as part of sports teams' tradition at the event. The Cubs also gave Obama a No. 44 tile from the scoreboard and a lifetime pass to Wrigley Field, which Obama noted was “non-transferrable.” President Theo Epstein also provided a "W" flag signed by the entire team.
Dexter Fowler, now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, is expected to present President Obama with a customized pair of Jordan sneakers.
Before arriving in the East Room, David Ross struggled to put on his tie and Javier Baez tied it for him.
“David Ross and I have something in common, we're both in a year-long retirement party,” Obama joked.
He also mentioned that Jon Lester and David Ross' World Series embrace, where they told each other that they loved the other was an "Obama-Biden" moment.
Anthony Rizzo, who wears No. 44 for the Cubs, is expected to be the team's spokesman.
Obama is a well-known White Sox fan and made several jokes about his fandom when he welcomes the Cubs. First Lady Michelle Obama is a Cubs fan but was not in attendance for the speech but privately addressed the team before they took the stage with the president.
“Among Sox fans, I am the Cubs' No. 1 fan,” Obama closed his remarks with.
Watch Obama address the team below:
The Cubs are the final sports team to visit the White House under Obama's presidency as Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States on Friday.
Hall of Fame Cubs Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins as well as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and musician Jimmy Buffett are in attendance for Monday's festivities.
