The annual Congressional Baseball Game is set to happen this week. Democrats are eager to end their five-year losing streak to Republicans, aiming for an upset victory. Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) manages the GOP team and brings an unchanged roster. Williams emphasizes the importance of pitching in baseball. He states, ‘If you throw strikes, you usually win, and we’ve got guys that can do that.’
Democratic manager Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) acknowledges the challenge ahead. ‘They’re always a little smug, but whatever. It doesn’t faze me,’ she comments regarding her Republican rivals. The addition of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) this year strengthens their bullpen. Sánchez notes that her team is putting extra effort into improving their performance, particularly in hitting and scoring runs.
The game will be held at Nationals Park, a popular event for lawmakers, lobbyists, and Capitol Hill aides. Over 30,000 attendees are expected. It has raised nearly $3 million for charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund. According to Mark Johnson of the Congressional Sports for Charity foundation, interest in the game is high with a waiting list for involvement.
The game began in 1909 and is one of Congress’s oldest traditions. The event gained attention after a mass shooting at a Republican practice in 2017, injuring House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and others.
A player causing much attention this year is Mark Teixeira, a former Major League Baseball player running for Congress in a Republican-favored district. His potential participation in future games intrigues both parties. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) joked, ‘We need to draft a major league baseball player to come and play for us.’
Teixeira, who hasn’t played in a decade, views the game as a chance to connect with congressional members. He welcomes any rules to ensure player safety. With aluminum bats used, some members express concern over playing against him. ‘If I have to use a wooden bat, I’m fine with that.’
In addition to the baseball game, legislative activity is taking place elsewhere. The Senate is pursuing the Protect College Sports Act, supported by President Trump. However, some Democrats question increasing the NCAA’s power over college sports. Concerns include the potential sidelining of women’s and Olympic sports.
The House Judiciary Committee will examine the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, considering updates for streaming. This occurs amid scrutiny over the NFL’s media practices. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell chose not to testify, citing ongoing litigation.