Article snippet: WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday honored the Boston Red Sox at the White House for their 2018 World Series title, praising the team as “unstoppable” in its record-breaking season. “Through every pitch, inning, game and series, the 2018 Red Sox never gave up and never backed down. You always played like champions,” Trump said in a ceremony on the South Lawn, flanked by players, coaches, and team officials in suits and ties. “I want to congratulate you all on your spectacular victory.” It was the fourth time in 15 years the Red Sox were celebrated at the White House after a historic championship drought that stretched back to the Woodrow Wilson administration. But unlike after the 2004, 2007, and 2013 World Series wins, everyone on the team wasn’t honored by this presidential invite. Trump’s push for a border wall with Mexico, his disparaging comments about Hispanics, his condemnation of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest racial disparities, and his administration’s much-criticized response to Hurricane Maria’s devastation in Puerto Rico led to some high-profile no-shows Thursday. Nearly all the team’s black and Hispanic players skipped the event, including Mookie Betts, David Price, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackie Bradley Jr. The most notable absentee was manager Alex Cora, who was born in Puerto Rico and said this week that it would be “pretty tough” to celebrate at the White House while so many people continue to suffer on the island... Link to the full article to read more