Alabama’s Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL05) announced on Wednesday that he will start at first base for the Republicans in the July 28 Congressional Baseball Game for Charity.
The game will be played at Washington Nationals Park. It is an annual Washington tradition that pits Democrats against Republicans. Local DC charities are expected to receive a minimum of $1.7 million from this year’s game.
"The Congressional Baseball Game is a great tradition that brings Republicans and Democrats together at the Washington Nationals stadium,” Brooks said. “Tens of thousands of fans attended last year’s game. I can’t wait to participate in this great American pastime while my family and friends (including five children and twelve grandchildren) cheer us on.”
Last year, Brooks, at 68, was the oldest starting player in the entire game. Despite his years, he played the entire game at first base, batted twice, scored two runs, made no errors, and made a bare-handed catch off an errant throw to get the Democrat batter out at first. The Republicans won last year 13 to 12.
“I hope our four months of 6 a.m. morning practices (some in sleet and on icy fields) pay off,” Brooks said. “This year’s Republican team is the best since I’ve been in Congress. While I am sure the Democrats will do everything they can to beat the stew out of us, I’m optimistic we will keep the winner’s trophy on the GOP side of the House Floor.”
Brooks was on the field five years ago when the Republicans were targeted for assassination by a gunman during a practice ahead of that year’s game. Five people including Congressman Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) were shot before authorities gunned down the assassin. Brooks' name was on a list of names in the assassin’s pocket.
This will be Brooks’ last year to play as his term expires at the end of the year. This is his sixth and final term representing Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District.
The game will be broadcast nationally by both Fox Sports and C-Span. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM CDT.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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