When the Dodgers visited Chicago to play the Cubs back in May, veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez opted not to stay at the Trump International Hotel and Tower with the rest of his teammates. And while Gonzalez wouldn't say why when he was asked about it over the weekend, the reason is likely obvious to just about everyone.
According to theLong Beach Press-Telegram, Gonzalez told reporters that he "didn't stay there" and that he "had my reasons" for finding other accommodations. But it's worth noting that, while he was born in San Diego, California, Gonzalez is the son of Mexican natives who raised him in Tijuana until he was 8. He has also represented Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, supported a number of Mexican charities, and kept a close connection with the country. So even though he didn't want to reveal why he chose not to stay at a Trump property—"We're here to play baseball, not talk politics," he said—it's probably safe to say that he did it because of some of the comments Donald Trump has made about Mexico and Mexican people during his presidential campaign.
The Dodgers were back in Chicago this weekend for the first two games of the National League Championship Series—they split those two games—and during this particular road trip, the team decided not to return to the Trump International Hotel and Tower. It was apparently for logistical reasons and not political reasons, though, as the Dodgers didn't find out they would be headed to Chicago until Thursday night when they knocked off the Nationals.
Gonzalez recorded the lone run for the Dodgers in a 1-0 win on Sunday by hitting a home run in the second inning of Game 2 of the NLCS.
