Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed his reasoning behind not attending the White House visit in May 2019 in a recent interview.
Fox News reported that his choice was driven by concerns about the federal government's handling of Puerto Rico's recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Cora led the Red Sox to a World Series win in 2018 but decided not to join the team's celebratory event at the White House.
His decision was rooted in the ongoing struggles faced by Puerto Rico, which was hit hard by both Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. The recovery efforts on the island were met with criticism over their pace and effectiveness.
The official death toll for Hurricane Maria was initially listed as 64, but it was significantly revised in August 2018 to 2,975, highlighting the catastrophe's severity. This context of devastation and ongoing recovery efforts influenced Cora’s decision.
Alex Cora, Puerto Rican himself, felt compelled to prioritize the welfare of the island over the celebratory trip to Washington, D.C. He explained in the interview, "I didn't feel comfortable doing it," referring to celebrating while the island was still recovering. His feelings were not antagonistic towards the then-President, Donald Trump, but were a personal stance on what he considered a more important issue.
His absence at the White House event was noted, as he was one of the key figures of the Red Sox organization. However, Cora emphasized the importance of consistency in his actions, "I'd rather not go. And, you know, just be consistent with everything."
The response to Hurricane Maria under the Trump administration famously faced widespread disapproval. However, President Trump viewed the efforts as a considerable success, championing the work of FEMA and law enforcement during the recovery period.
"The job that FEMA and law enforcement and everybody did... was tremendous," Trump remarked, highlighting what he perceived as an unheralded success story in the recovery efforts.
Despite the President's positive assessment, many saw the aftermath differently, aligned with Cora’s concerns. The protracted recovery faced hurdles, leaving residents struggling with restoring basic infrastructure and services.
By choosing to skip the event, Cora drew attention to Puerto Rico's plight at a time when national media focus had largely moved on. He aimed to spotlight the continuing challenges faced by the citizens of Puerto Rico. His decision was not to make a political statement but rather to stand in solidarity with those affected by the hurricane's devastation.
As the recovery in Puerto Rico lagged, some citizens on the island appreciated Cora's gesture. It represented a figure in baseball taking a stand on political and humanitarian grounds.
Cora remarked on the ongoing challenges, acknowledging the U.S. efforts while stressing that "there was still work to do." His reflections emphasized a need for continued support and effective aid strategies to ensure Puerto Rico's full recovery.
Despite the accolades of a World Series victory, Cora's focus remained on matters beyond the baseball field concerning his homeland's needs. His decision illustrated a broader narrative of sports figures using their platforms to address critical issues.
Thus, Cora's abstention from the White House visit highlighted a singular focus on the humanitarian crisis. His refusal became a minor yet significant chapter in the story of Hurricane Maria's aftermath, underscoring the long recovery for the people of Puerto Rico.
Cora's actions remind the public that victories in sports can sometimes intersect with larger social responsibilities. His decision is a testament to maintaining personal values amidst public and professional pressures.
