Manager Ned Yost presented the president with a Royals jersey with the No. 44.
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The president congratulated the team on winning the World Series against the New York Mets.
But occasionally – say, when a White House official’s home sports team comes to visit – that raw exercise of power is clearly visible.
The White House also released a video featuring White House press secretary Josh Earnest, a Kansas City native.
Earnest grinned from ear to ear Thursday in anticipation.
Obama was playful during the ceremony, ribbing the Royals for their not-so-creative nicknaming abilities after listing off Eric Hosmer (“Hoz”), Mike Moustakas (“Moose”) and Salvador Perez (“Salvie”).
He donned a pair of Royals socks for the occasion. He regularly sips from a blue mug bearing the team’s emblem during his daily briefing, and he tweeted a photo Thursday morning of him proudly displaying his baseball-themed hosiery.
The Royals played an afternoon game Wednesday before flying to Washington, D.C. They will fly back to Kansas City following the visit and have a game against the Texas Rangers Friday at 7:15 p.m.
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Also in attendance was: Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., who was on the 1985 Royals World Series champions team, and Councilmember Jermaine Reed.
