Republicans vs. Democrats: the 47th Congressional Baseball Game
Posted by Nathan & Valerie at 10:47 PM |
On a whim I went to the 47th Annual Congressional Baseball game at Nationals Park.
Democrats versus Republicans.
Baseball like it was meant to be played.
What? Politicians playing baseball? Yes, it was baseball, not softball. Before you go laughing, know that these politicians are actually pretty good for their age. Most are former college athletes. I was impressed. Read on...
Led by manager Rep. Joe Barton (TX-6), the Republicans came in searching for the five-series sweep against their counterparts. To the winner went the coveted Roll Call Trophy along with bragging rights.
Last year's winning pitcher Rep. John Shimkus (R, IL-19) faced off against Rep. Joe Baca (D, CA-43). This year, the two Congressmen were both tapped to face off again.
Following the amazing defense of 2B Rep. Kevin Brady (R, TX-8), who threw out two Democrats at home plate to preserve an early 3-1 lead, the Democrats' so-called "good luck charm" Madam Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, CA-8), showed up to the ballpark to a thunderous roar from the third base fans. With the appearance of Madam Speaker Pelosi, the second half of the game turned into a seesaw affair, as both sides put up multi-run innings.
After the Democrats took a one run lead in the top of the sixth, Rep. Chip Pickering (R, MS-3) led off the bottom of the sixth with a game-tying, inside-the-park home run, followed by a triple from Rep. Zach Wamp (R, TN-3).
The GOP put up a total of five runs in the sixth and headed into the final inning with a comfortable 8-4 lead. However, the Democrats weren't ready to call it a night yet.
After the Republicans' lone Senator, relief pitcher Sen. John Ensign (R, NV-1), loaded the bases and allowed a run to score in the seventh, the Republicans brought Rep. Shimkus back in as a relief pitcher. Rep. Shimkus fanned the first two Democrats he faced in relief, but the majority party proceeded to score six runs in the inning to take a 10-8 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh.
After relief pitcher Rep. Bart Stupak (D, MI-1) showed signs of fatigue, the Democrats brought Rep. Baca back in to face the Republicans in the bottom of the seventh. But the GOP was not intimidated by Rep. Baca.
A few intentional walks, and bloop singles aided the GOP in bringing the game within one run to tie. The grandson of one of the greatest Major League managers of all-time, Hall of Famer Connie Mack, Jr., Rep. Connie Mack IV (R, FL-14) strolled into the batters box 0-for-2 on the evening. Looking to make his grandfather proud, Rep. Mack hit a ball between first and second base into shallow right field to bring home the tying run. On an errant throw into the infield, pinch-runner Rep. Adam Putnam (R, FL-12) chugged around third base and headed for home and the GOP's 10th victory.
As the throw came towards home plate, Rep. Putnam was well ahead of the ball and the Republicans took the game 11-10.
The Republicans have clearly dominated the Roll Call Congressional battle with a "franchise" record of 33-14. The Democrats have not won a game since 2000.
The event, which sold tickets for $8, usually raises over $100,000 for local Washington, D.C. nonprofits. The proceeds from tonight's game benefited the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Images I took tonight are in a folder on Flickr. Since I am far from a professional sports photographer, I decided not to edit them. Sorry.
Democrats versus Republicans.
Baseball like it was meant to be played.
What? Politicians playing baseball? Yes, it was baseball, not softball. Before you go laughing, know that these politicians are actually pretty good for their age. Most are former college athletes. I was impressed. Read on...
Led by manager Rep. Joe Barton (TX-6), the Republicans came in searching for the five-series sweep against their counterparts. To the winner went the coveted Roll Call Trophy along with bragging rights.Last year's winning pitcher Rep. John Shimkus (R, IL-19) faced off against Rep. Joe Baca (D, CA-43). This year, the two Congressmen were both tapped to face off again.
Following the amazing defense of 2B Rep. Kevin Brady (R, TX-8), who threw out two Democrats at home plate to preserve an early 3-1 lead, the Democrats' so-called "good luck charm" Madam Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, CA-8), showed up to the ballpark to a thunderous roar from the third base fans. With the appearance of Madam Speaker Pelosi, the second half of the game turned into a seesaw affair, as both sides put up multi-run innings.After the Democrats took a one run lead in the top of the sixth, Rep. Chip Pickering (R, MS-3) led off the bottom of the sixth with a game-tying, inside-the-park home run, followed by a triple from Rep. Zach Wamp (R, TN-3).
The GOP put up a total of five runs in the sixth and headed into the final inning with a comfortable 8-4 lead. However, the Democrats weren't ready to call it a night yet.
After the Republicans' lone Senator, relief pitcher Sen. John Ensign (R, NV-1), loaded the bases and allowed a run to score in the seventh, the Republicans brought Rep. Shimkus back in as a relief pitcher. Rep. Shimkus fanned the first two Democrats he faced in relief, but the majority party proceeded to score six runs in the inning to take a 10-8 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh.After relief pitcher Rep. Bart Stupak (D, MI-1) showed signs of fatigue, the Democrats brought Rep. Baca back in to face the Republicans in the bottom of the seventh. But the GOP was not intimidated by Rep. Baca.
A few intentional walks, and bloop singles aided the GOP in bringing the game within one run to tie. The grandson of one of the greatest Major League managers of all-time, Hall of Famer Connie Mack, Jr., Rep. Connie Mack IV (R, FL-14) strolled into the batters box 0-for-2 on the evening. Looking to make his grandfather proud, Rep. Mack hit a ball between first and second base into shallow right field to bring home the tying run. On an errant throw into the infield, pinch-runner Rep. Adam Putnam (R, FL-12) chugged around third base and headed for home and the GOP's 10th victory.
As the throw came towards home plate, Rep. Putnam was well ahead of the ball and the Republicans took the game 11-10.
The Republicans have clearly dominated the Roll Call Congressional battle with a "franchise" record of 33-14. The Democrats have not won a game since 2000.
The event, which sold tickets for $8, usually raises over $100,000 for local Washington, D.C. nonprofits. The proceeds from tonight's game benefited the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Images I took tonight are in a folder on Flickr. Since I am far from a professional sports photographer, I decided not to edit them. Sorry.
Labels: baseball
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3 Comments:
I'm glad they won the baseball game - it's the only thing they are going to be winning this year.
;)
Don't forget about Sen. Sherrod Brown from Ohio - He was in the game too!
Yes, Senator Sherrod Brown did score a run. In fact, the PA announcer, who was completely biased leaning to the left, did say "I don't think I've ever seen Sherrod Brown run that fast!"
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