Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is preparing for the Congressional Baseball Game, expressing hope that President Donald Trump will attend. The event, a longstanding tradition since 1909, pits Republican and Democratic lawmakers against each other, raising funds for local charities. Schmitt, a Cardinals fan and former baseball player, sees the game as both fun and a social highlight for lawmakers and their staff.
While the primary goal of the game is to win, Schmitt emphasized the importance of contributing to the cause, with funds raised supporting charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the Capitol Police Memorial Fund. The event, held at Nationals Park, has a rich history, having seen presidents like Woodrow Wilson and Barack Obama attend in past years. Although it remains uncertain whether Trump will be in attendance, Schmitt expressed his personal hope that the former president would participate, given their shared interest in sports. He also mentioned that he once showed Trump highlights from previous games, highlighting their camaraderie in the baseball arena.
With the teams finalized, Schmitt is set to compete alongside Senate colleagues like Ruben Gallego, Alex Padilla, and Joni Ernst. The game not only serves as a way to raise money for worthy causes but also as a celebration of sportsmanship and political unity in a typically polarized environment. As Schmitt and his team prepare for the July 11 showdown, the event continues to be a beloved tradition in Washington, blending the worlds of politics and amateur athletics in a unique and lighthearted way.