The third annual "The Battle of Goat Hill," where members of the Alabama House and State Senate put aside their political differences and duke it out in a softball game to receive not only bragging rights for the year but also to raise money for The Big Oak Ranch, is set for this Wednesday.
Special guests this year include country music star Riley Green and former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle, who will play for the Senate team, and Wesley Britt, Walt Simmons and Scott McClanahan, who will play for the House team.
Croyle said, "We are honored that for the past three years the Battle of Goat Hill has chosen to invest in Big Oak's mission to relieve the suffering of children through providing loving homes to those that desperately need it. And though the game itself has proven to be such a fun night, the awareness and support it continues to provide for our families is having generational impact."
Riley Green will also play the national anthem to kick off the game.
The Senate has taken home the bragging rights and the trophy the last two years, but the House is optimistic this year. This has led to some light-hearted trash talk from both sides.
"I hope that the Senate and the Lt. Governor have carved out enough time in their schedules to polish the trophy because we want it free of fingerprints when it is delivered to the floor of the House after our victory," House Majority Leader Scott Stadhagen (R-Hartselle) said.
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth didn't mince words firing back by saying, "On the eve of the Battle of Goat Hill, the members of the Alabama House and, particularly, Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen always claim that this is their year to win, and each time they lose by an embarrassing margin."
"I am confident that the coveted trophy will remain in its place of honor on the seventh floor of the Alabama State House as the Senate proves triumphant once again," he added.
State Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) said, "Here we are on the eve of the House getting spanked and running away with their tails tucked between their legs again. However, just as in previous years, I'll be waiting on the House to actually show up because 'we own you' the Senate rules the field."
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) said, "The Senate has been talking a lot of trash leading up to this game, but this year, the House is going to dominate, and we will see the Senate on the field Wednesday. I look forward to that trophy coming to the House Chamber. The best part is we won't go into extra innings with them because that's way past their bedtime."
State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) stated, "Taken as a whole, the Senate is just more nimble and athletic than the House. Heck, they [the House] benched half their good players due to injury by simply hosting a practice."
"The Senate's days of celebrating will end Wednesday when the House takes the Goat Hill Trophy to the 5th Floor chamber," State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville) said. "The Senate team better count their days!"
State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) finished off the trash talk by saying, "While the Senate has won the Battle the last 2 years off of pure luck, it's no question the House has the better athletes. I expect us to come out and score early and keep piling it on until they beg us to show mercy. It's not even going to be close."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com or on Twitter @BradleyCoxAL.
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