Republicans and Democrats will play ball tomorrow at the Congressional Baseball Game. The gates of Nationals Park open at 5:30 p.m., the first pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and tickets are still available.
One of the last bipartisan traditions in Washington, Republicans and Democrats have been squaring off since 1909. General admission to the 108th consecutive partisan showdown costs $10 and reserved seating, $11.
Normally watching overweight politicians wear poorly fitting uniforms and humiliate themselves is its own reward. After a gunman ambushed the Republican roster during their Wednesday morning practice though, the event has taken on new significance.
In rare back to back floor speeches, Minority Leader Pelosi and Speaker Ryan captured the additional significance of the game. “For all the noise and fury,” Ryan told the chamber, “we are a family. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.” Following shortly after, Pelosi declared that “on days like today, there are no Democrats or Republicans, only Americans.”
And they’re right. Unprovoked aggression has no place in a civil society. Neither does blame shifting or finger pointing in the hours after what could’ve been an even worse national tragedy but for the bravery and quick thinking of Capitol Hill Police.
At bat during the attack, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., echoed Ryan and Pelosi, telling reporters that the game “absolutely should go on.”
Not only should it go on, ESPN should broadcast the game for fans outside the beltway. President Trump should take the mound for the first pitch. And reporters, staffers, and tourists should make sure lawmakers play for a sold out crowd to signal that democracy and baseball will go into extra innings.
Seats in the Republican section are already sold out. But tickets for Democrat seating are still available.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
