The World Series champion Royals had their day in the White House on Thursday, continuing the tradition of major sports champions getting special recognition from the sitting president.
Among the highlights:
MORE: The 2015 World Series, in photos
— President Barack Obama called the Royals "one of the grittiest, most complete teams we've seen in a long time."
— He actually said "Hashtag Yosted" in reference to manager Ned Yost (This was definitely high on the list of Things You Didn't Expect a Sitting President to Say.).
— Obama took a good-natured shot at some players' nicknames (i.e. Mike "Moose" Moustakas, Eric "Hos" Hosmer, etc.). "The nicknames aren't that creative," the president said. "We're going to have to work on those."
— He gave a shout-out to Jarrod Dyson's now-famous quote, "That's what speed do."
— Obama cited the the All-Star ballot-stuffing effort from 2015 as an example of fans' passion. "As a Chicagoan, I appreciate that," Obama said. "Vote early, vote often."
— As championship teams usually do, the Royals presented the president with a custom "Obama 44" jersey, and personalized one for Josh Earnest, Obama's press secretary and a lifelong Royals fan.
Watch the ceremony here.
Watch @POTUS welcome the World Series Champion Kansas City @Royals to the White House. https://t.co/KR4qz0lSt4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 21, 2016
Also, this happened.
Who wore it best? 🤔 (via @TheRealHos35) pic.twitter.com/vZVy8F083E
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 21, 2016
... And fun was had by all.
(Has anyone checked on Jonny Gomes?)
