Who Won The Congressional Baseball Game 2021?
Contents
The 2021 Congressional Baseball Game was held on June 16, 2021. The event was won by the Republicans with a score of 22-9.
The History of the Congressional Baseball Game
The annual congressional baseball game began in 1909 as a way for lawmakers to build relationships across the aisle and showcase their bipartisanship to the American people. The game was the brainchild of Representative John Tener of Pennsylvania, a former professional baseball player, who recruited members of Congress to compete against each other in a baseball game.
Since its inception, the game has continued uninterrupted (with the exception of 1942-1945 due to World War II), and has become one of the most hotly anticipated events on Capitol Hill. The game typically takes place in late June or early July, and is always preceded by a raucous pep rally on the eve of the game.
In recent years, the game has taken on added significance in the wake of partisan tensions and political violence. In 2017, shortly after the annual game was held, a gunman opened fire on Republican lawmakers who were practicing for the game, injuring Majority Whip Steve Scalise and several others. The following year, Scalise returned to lead his team to victory in an emotionally charged match-up.
In 2021, Democrats regained control of the House after winning back several seats in the 2020 election. This resulted in Representative Joe Crowley (D-NY) taking over as manager of the Democratic team, while Scalise continued to manage the Republican team. This year’s match-up was particularly tense, as it came just days after House Republicans ousted Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY) from her leadership position due to her criticism of former President Donald Trump.
In a close contest that came down to the wire, Democrats emerged victorious by a score of 10-3. First baseman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) was named MVP after hitting two home runs for his team.
The Game Itself
The game was a close one, with the Democrats leading by one run for most of the game. The Republicans finally took the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, and they held on to win by a score of 7-6.
The teams
The annual Congressional Baseball Game pits Republicans against Democrats in a friendly but competitive battle. The game is a cherished tradition, dating back over a century, and is a much-anticipated event each year.
This year, the game was particularly significant as it came just one day after a mass shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice. The shooting left five people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who is still hospitalized.
In the end, the Democrats prevailed in the game, 11-2. But in a show of unity and bipartisanship, both teams came together for a post-game press conference and released a joint statement:
“In the wake of yesterday’s tragic events, we are reminded of what brings us together as Americans: our love of country and our commitment to its ideals. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who were injured in yesterday’s attack.”
The players
Democratic team manager, Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, decided to go with a lineup that would put the best bats in key run-producing positions. It paid off as the Democrats built an early lead that they would never relinquish.
The star of the game was Democratic first baseman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana who had two hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs. Other key contributors for the Democrats included second baseman Robin Kelly of Illinois (3-for-4, two RBI), third baseman Ruben Gallego of Arizona (2-for-3, three RBI) and right fielder Jared Huffman of California (2-for-3).
For the Republicans, it was a team effort as no one player really stood out. However, a few players did have notable performances, including shortstop Steve Scalise of Louisiana (2-for-4), left fielder Jeffrey Duncan of South Carolina (2-for-3) and second baseman Joe Barton of Texas (1-for-3, one RBI).
The game
The annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity is a tradition that dates back to 1909. The game is a chance for members of Congress to come together and compete in a friendly, yet spirited, rivalry. The game is also an opportunity to raise money for charity. This year, the game will be played on Thursday, June 10th at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm EDT.
The two teams competing in the game are the Republicans and the Democrats. Each team is made up of members of Congress from their respective party. The game is played using normal baseball rules.
The Congressional Baseball Game is one of the few instances where members of Congress from opposite parties come together and compete against each other. In recent years, the game has been used as a way to build relationships and resolve differences between members of Congress.
This year’s game will be particularly significant as it comes just one day after a mass shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice that left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and four others injured. The shooting has led to calls for unity and bipartisanship in the wake of the tragedy.
The Congressional Baseball Game for Charity is an annual event that dates back to 1909. The game is a chance for members of Congress from both parties to compete against each other in a friendly rivalry. This year’s game will be played on Thursday, June 10th at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., just one day after a mass shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice that left five people injured, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA).
The Aftermath
The 2021 Congressional Baseball Game was held on June 15, 2021, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The charity event, which was first held in 1908, is a tradition that sees members of the House of Representatives and the Senate divided into teams that compete against each other. This year’s game was particularly significant as it came just one day after a mass shooting at a Republican practice for the game.
The winners
The Republicans won the game by a score of 22–25. It was their seventh consecutive win, and their eighth win in the last nine meetings between the two teams.
The losers
It was a game that no one wanted to win. In the end, the Democrats lost to the Republicans by a score of 8-7 in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, played on June 21st in Washington, D.C.
The game was emotional for many players and fans, coming just one day after a shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice that injured five people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA).
Despite the loss, the Democrat team and its supporters were in good spirits after the game. All proceeds from the event go to charity, and this year’s game raised over $1 million for various causes, including the Capitol Police Memorial Fund.
What’s next for the game?
The next Congressional Baseball Game is scheduled for June 15, 2022, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The game will again be played to raise funds for charity.