In a city often defined by division, Washington, D.C. saw something different Wednesday night — lawmakers trading their suits for baseball uniforms, leaving politics at the dugout gate.
Nationals Park was packed with fans, laughter, and a touch of competitive fire as Republicans and Democrats faced off in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.
And in case you’re keeping score — yes, the Republicans did it again.
For the fifth year in a row, they dominated the game, finishing with a blowout 13-2 victory over the Democrats.
Republicans Crush It on the Diamond
From the very first pitch, it was clear the GOP team came to play — and not just for fun.
With crisp throws, big hits, and aggressive base running, they took control early and never looked back.
This victory marked their fifth consecutive win, keeping their streak alive and well.
Despite the lopsided score, the spirit of the night was more about camaraderie than competition — even though it probably still felt good for Republicans to bask in another triumph.
From Capitol Tensions to Dugout Smiles
The game offered a rare moment of levity after weeks of heated arguments over President Trump’s budget bill.
But for a few hours, lawmakers swapped debates for dugouts.
The bipartisan tradition reminded everyone that — once in a while — it’s possible for red and blue to share the same field without fireworks.
Scalise Returns to the Field with Cheers All Around
One of the night’s most powerful moments came when Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise stepped up to the plate.
Eight years ago, he was nearly killed when a gunman opened fire during a Republican practice session ahead of this very game.
Scalise, once confined to a mobility scooter, now stood tall in uniform — and the crowd erupted with applause.
His presence alone was a moving tribute to resilience and recovery, and a reminder of the real risks lawmakers sometimes face — even off the floor of Congress.
Big Sponsors and Bigger Fundraising
Before the game got underway, former Trump Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins walked the ball out onto the field, setting the tone.
Then, representatives from Disney and Rivian, two of the game’s major sponsors, took part in throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
Their message was short and sweet: Let’s play ball!
But it wasn’t just the players or sponsors making headlines — it was the numbers.
A Record-Breaking Night for a Good Cause
This year’s Congressional Baseball Game wasn’t just about home runs and high-fives.
It was about making a difference. And by all accounts, it did just that.
The Congressional Sports for Charity Foundation announced that the game had shattered records, raising over $2.75 million for charities around the D.C. metro area — a new high for the event.
On top of that, more than 30,000 fans packed into Nationals Park, smashing the attendance record from 2024.
Mark Johnson from the Foundation put it best:
“For over a century, this game has brought Democrats and Republicans together in a shared commitment to strengthening our community… we’re honored to be part of this great bipartisan tradition.”
The money raised will go to groups that help vulnerable children and families, making this more than just a baseball game — it was a home run for charity, too.
Politics Can Wait — This Was About People
Sure, the Republicans crushed the scoreboard.
But in the bigger picture, the real win was the spirit of unity that took over the stadium — even if just for a few innings.
And for a place like Washington, those moments are more valuable than any score.