MONTGOMERY — The Alabama House of Representatives handily defeated the Alabama Senate in the annual softball match on Wednesday night, gaining the body bragging right for a whole year while raising money for a beloved Alabama establishment.
The two teams met at Montgomery's Riverwalk Stadium after years of trash talk from the Senate, who have reigned victorious in the pair's last two meetings.
Proceeds from the game went to Big Oak Ranch, which received an additional $10,000 from Alabama Power. Big Oak Ranch is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Big Oak Ranch was founded in 1974. The Alabama-based Christian ministry was created to provide a better way of life for children who have been through circumstances beyond their control. Children at Big Oak Ranch have been rescued from a wide variety of difficult situations ranging from abuse to abandonment.
Special guests at this year's friendly game included country music star Riley Green and former Alabama quarterback and CEO of Big Oak Ranch Brodie Croyle, who played for the Senate team, and Wesley Britt, Walt Simmons and Scott McClanahan, who played for the House team.
Green threw the first pitch.
Before that, attendees saw a special recorded message from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).
"I wish that I could be with you all today at the Riverwalk stadium, but I am in Washington trying to call balls and strikes," Britt said.
"Congratulations to Big Oak Ranch on celebrating 50 years of inspiring service, ministry and dedicated support for vulnerable children. Your mission and true servant leadership have left a mark on so many young people," She continued.
Croyle took the mic to thank attendees for their generosity and discuss the impact of Big Oak Ranch.
"50 years ago, my mom and my dad moved out to a farmhouse and just said, 'Hey! We're going to follow God's lead and we're going to go give children a chance. We're going to give them a different way of life. And just the way that He has blessed that obedience over the past 50 years. Today, we now have a boy's ranch that has 14 homes, a girls ranch that has 11 homes. We have a College ministry in Birmingham. We're currently serving 191 children on a daily basis, so things like tonight make a big difference for us. And the fact that these guys set aside all of their personal differences, and athletic differences because I've been on the Senate now for three years and we just straight up dominated this game for a while."
"We are so grateful, not only for the support but just the awareness it brings to our mission. Over 2,000 children from the state of Alabama have been able to call Big Oak Ranch home because of these guys, because of the support of this amazing state."
In a prophetic moment for Alabama's House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) took a brief moment to thank House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) and tell Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, "Y'all are going down tonight."
The seven-inning game started with the House scoring two points in the first inning. Neither team scored again until the 5th, where the House again gained two runs. The House then scored six runs in the 6th and three in the 7th. The Senate failed to score a single run until the bottom of the 7th and last inning, in which the Senate gained its first and only run.
When the dust settled, the House stood victorious with a prodigious final score of 13-1.
On the House team, Stadthagen and State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) undoubtedly put out the most valiant effort, often sacrificing life and limb to make a play. In the end, Blackshear was named MVP and given a game ball.
Lawmakers are slated to meet again in their respective chambers to continue the legislative process for one more day until breaking for another week of Spring Break. However, several lawmakers will undoubtedly be moving a touch slower than usual.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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