The Congressional Baseball Game on Wednesday night was interrupted by a group of climate protesters who leaped onto the field, causing a temporary disruption before the game resumed. The protesters, who appeared to be protesting the fossil fuel industry, were quickly tackled by Capitol Police and arrested. The Capitol Police reported that the eight individuals involved in the protest are facing federal charges.
Despite the interruption, the game continued, and the Republicans emerged victorious with a decisive 31-11 win over the Democrats. This victory extended the GOP’s winning streak in the annual game, which has been a tradition since 1909.
The charity event, which took place at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., broke records this year with 30,000 fans in attendance and $2.2 million raised for local charities, according to the Congressional Sports for Charity organization.
Among the players representing the GOP were House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who notably survived a shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Other notable GOP players included Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Eric Schmitt. On the Democratic side, players included House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Rep. Ruben Gallego.
The game concluded with both teams coming together to shake hands in a show of sportsmanship. The event was a display of bipartisan unity and camaraderie, despite the political differences between the two parties.
The annual Congressional Baseball Game is not only a fun and competitive sporting event but also serves as an opportunity for members of Congress to come together outside of the political arena and support charitable causes in their community. The game has a long history and is a beloved tradition among lawmakers and spectators alike.
Overall, the game was a success, raising significant funds for local charities and providing a platform for members of Congress to engage in friendly competition and teamwork. The interruption by the climate protesters added a moment of drama to the event but ultimately did not overshadow the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the Congressional Baseball Game.
