From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century, baseball has held a special place in American culture, even extending to the halls of Congress. The first modern World Series, a best-of-nine affair, saw the Boston Americans triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1903. Just a few years later, in 1909, Congress established its own version of the national pastime, often pitting Democrats against Republicans, and occasionally even legislators against the press.

This long-standing tradition, the Congressional Baseball Game, has seen its share of interruptions – world wars, speaker disapproval, and even the COVID-19 pandemic have caused occasional cancellations. Yet, the game has persisted, becoming a spectacle drawing over 20,000 fans to Nationals Park in recent years. The atmosphere is electric, with partisan crowds cheering their respective teams and creating a lively, albeit sometimes overly enthusiastic, display of support.

The game's history is filled with intriguing figures who have left their mark both on the field and in the political arena. Rep. John Tener, a former professional baseball player, founded the game and later became the governor of Pennsylvania and president of the National League. The competition has also seen its share of intense moments, from Speaker Champ Clark's attempts to recall players from a game to serious on-field injuries resulting from hard-fought plays.

Several politicians have achieved greater fame in baseball than in their political careers. From Hall of Famers like Jim Bunning to figures like Jacob Rupert, who helped transform the New York Yankees into a powerhouse, the intersection of baseball and politics has produced some remarkable stories. Even presidents have participated, with Gerald Ford hitting a grand slam and Joe Biden facing off against future Senator Pete Domenici, a former minor league pitcher.

Despite the partisan divide that often characterizes Capitol Hill, the Congressional Baseball Game serves as a reminder of shared American traditions and the enduring appeal of baseball. It's a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, even those with differing political views.