Lawmakers Play Annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park

Republican and Democratic members of Congress played each other in the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park. The contest dates to 1909 and functions as a charity fundraiser. Players on each team wear duplicate uniform numbers, which creates difficulties for broadcasters.

On the Republican side, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Brad Finstad both wore number 1, while three members wore number 3. Democrats had two players each wearing numbers 3, 11, 15, and 25.

Sports commentator Chad Pergram said identifying players requires more than a standard scorecard. He noted that the same production crew that covers Major League Baseball playoff games handled the congressional contest. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., made a diving catch in left field during the game. He sustained scrapes to his forearms and face after colliding with the warning track.

Roger Williams, R-Texas, manages the Republican team and previously played three seasons in the Atlanta Braves farm system. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., manages the Democratic team and has not recorded a win in five seasons as manager. The game raised more than $3.2 million for local nonprofits.