WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans and Democrats are fighting for bragging rights in the annual congressional baseball game as one unit – Team Scalise.
The opposing sides are paying tribute to Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority whip who was critically wounded when a gunman opened fire at the Republican baseball practice in Virginia on Wednesday. Scalise was fielding balls at second base when he was hit in the hip, and sustained grievous injuries as the bullet traveled through his pelvis and injured internal organs.
The players plan to wear some Louisiana State University gear in honor of Scalise, who’s a graduate of the school.
The game dates to 1909 and is a summertime tradition on Capitol Hill. Played for charity, it’s a rare example of bipartisanship in an increasingly polarized Washington.