Photo: Alamy
Congressional Republicans defeated Democrats 11-2 on Wednesday night in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at Nationals Park, extending the GOP’s winning streak to six consecutive years.
The tradition, which dates back to 1909, brings members of Congress together each year for a bipartisan charity event that raises money for local nonprofits and community organizations. Organizers said this year’s game drew more than 32,000 fans and raised a record $3.2 million for charity.
“GOP VICTORY,” House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to X. “Republicans have won the annual Congressional Baseball Game for the SIXTH straight year! And even better — last night’s sold-out crowd raised a record breaking $3.2 million for local charities.”
The Democratic roster included Jimmy Panetta and Joe Morelle, both longtime participants in the event.
Republicans were led in part by Florida Republican Rep. Greg Steube, whose pitching again drew attention during the matchup, along with Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, one of the GOP team’s best-known returning players.
One of the game’s highlights featured a diving catch by Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmidt.
Despite the political divisions on Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties emphasized the game’s charitable purpose and bipartisan atmosphere before the first pitch.
“Anything bipartisan brings us together, and that’s what we’re doing here tonight,” one attendee said.
Republicans entered the game after defeating Democrats 13-2 last year and reportedly began practicing months ago in hopes of continuing their streak.
Democrats sought their first victory since before the COVID-19 pandemic but were unable to slow the Republican offense.
While the competition on the field remained spirited, organizers pointed to the fundraising effort as the evening’s larger accomplishment. Proceeds from the event support organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, the Tim Johnson Memorial Scholarship and Nationals Philanthropies.