Republicans Whip Democrats, in Baseball (photos)


The GOP took the Dems to the cleaners in the Congressional Baseball Game for charity at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on July 28, winning 10-0 behind the efforts of Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) who pitched five shutout innings.

The Congressional Game to benefit local charities began as a casual event among colleagues in 1909, then repeating every summer with just a few interruptions for the Great Depression, World War II and Covid. This year’s affair brought in more than $1.7 million to benefit organizations like the Washington Literary Center, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the Capitol Police Memorial Fund. 

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff yelled “Play ball!” before Roberto Clemente Jr., the son of the Hall of Famer, threw out the first pitch.

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) drew applause before taking his turn at bat as the first batter. Scalise, who used a designated runner, was shot in the hip and severely hurt during a practice for the 2017 game. 

The victory was the second in succession for the GOP, but only their third since 2009. The Republicans prevailed a year ago in a 13-12 nail-biter. This year’s contest boasted none of the drama with the Republicans sprinting out to a 3-0 lead after the first inning and never looking back.  The game was interrupted by rain for 30 minutes in the 4th inning with the Republicans leading 4-0. The Democrats threatened with the bases loaded and none out in the 6th inning but reliever Rep. August Pfluger (R-Tex.) managed to pitch out of the jam with a pair of strike-outs.

The Democrats this year continued to wear the uniforms of professional baseball teams or college baseball teams in their congressional district or home state. For the second straight year, the Republican members wore uniform jerseys in Republican red.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) started on the mound for the Democrats. With this win, the Republicans now lead the series with 44 wins to 42 for the Democrats.

Security was heightened due to an expected protest by climate activists who unfurled several banners in the left field bleachers. A few demonstrators were reportedly arrested after blocking one of the park entrances. 

View a slideshow of Jeff Malet’s photos from the game by clicking on any of the photo icons below.

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