MLB games are interesting, but the annual Congressional Baseball Game may take the cake for the most dramatic on-field moments. While the game originally began in 1909, the tradition still continues more than a hundred years later. Then, in 2016, Democrats and Republicans started playing for charity. Getting a break from the daily grind of politics, the two teams come together to raise money while having fun. Many relive the good ol’ days of playing professional sports. This year was no different.
As representatives geared up to play at Nationals Park, the official ballpark of MLB’s Washington Nationals, baseball fans joined as spectators by the thousands.
Republicans win against the Democrats for the third straight year
The Republicans are on a roll. The Democrats last won in 2019 and since the 2020 game was canceled because of the pandemic, they have not won again. Republican lawmakers won their third straight annual Congressional Baseball Game with a score of 16-6.
Rep. Greg Steube was the starting pitcher just months after suffering a serious injury from a ladder fall. He broke his pelvis, punctured a lung, and suffered a concussion, but he tossed 4 innings and gave up 5 runs. He also hit the hardest ball of the evening that made it to the warning track.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was the lead-off hitter, gave another stellar display. Notably, he played six years after suffering a gunshot wound. Just before the 2017 game, a left-wing extremist shot Scalise at a YMCA diamond practice. “By God’s grace and the incredible heroism of our Capitol Police officers, first responders and my teammates, I am lucky to be alive today to play another game and I look forward to defending our title as champions.” the Republican told The New York Post.
Major League Baseball sees some wild on-field moments but perhaps even they don’t hold such significance! And despite their devastating loss, the Democrats did make history at the game.
In the Congressional Baseball Game’s 114-year run, history was just made
The Democrats’ Rep. Linda Sanchez became the first female manager of a congressional squad. She’s famous, or rather infamous, for a rude gesture that she made to the Republican dugout at last year’s game.
Another person to set a new record was Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who became the first Black female Democrat to play in this match-up.
The Congressional Baseball Game ended up raising a record $1.8 million for charity!
