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Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Power players or baseball players? The history behind the Congressional Baseball Game
Washington is stocked with power players. The president. White House officials. Cabinet secretaries. U.S. Representatives. Senators. Powerful aides. Lobbyists. Journalists. But how about baseball players? Democrats and Republicans convene Wednesday night at Nats Park just blocks from the Capitol for the annual Congressional game. Since 1909, Democrats and Republicans have traded in conference committees for mound visits. The Congressional Record for scorecards. And parliamentarians for umpires. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is a former Atlanta Braves farmhand. He gets his squad out on the practice diamond nearly every morning when lawmakers are in session at 5:45. "We've been working out since March 1," said Williams. "I think we're as good as we were last year." However, he noted that springtime rain limited practice time. And, an injury might beset the GOP squad. House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Blake Moore, R-Utah, started in center field for Republicans last year. Moore is one of the best overall athletes for either team. Moore won the high school Heisman Trophy in 1997. However, Moore injured his collar bone diving to make a save as a goalie in the Congressional soccer game a few weeks ago. Yes, there's a Congressional soccer game, too. And flag football game. And basketball game. And hockey game. And voters sometimes wonder why nothing ever gets done in Washington? Anyway, Moore says his clavicle has healed. Ironically, he can golf. But can't play baseball. And can't reach up to put away the dishes in the cupboard after dinner. "That goes over really well with my wife," said Moore. A penalty for playing soccer? "I fined him $500," said Williams – we believe jokingly. Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, played right field last year. He moves to center field in place of Moore Wednesday night. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., patrols right field for Republicans. Stutzman returned to Congress this year after an eight-year hiatus. Stutzman played in six games before, hitting .083. Stutzman used to pitch for the GOP. But his services out of the bullpen probably aren't necessary. After all, Stutzman might not match up to other Hoosier State hurlers like Tommy John and Don Larsen. On the mound, Stutzman sports an 0-2 record with a 14.44 ERA in the Congressional contest. That said, Williams does have a potential newcomer who can throw: Freshman Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is a rookie and a fireballer. "He's my Ryne Duren," said Williams of Harrigan. To the uninitiated, Duren was a flamethrowing all-star in the 1950s and '60s – mostly with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. Duren wore Coke-bottle glasses. The line "Oh say can you see" during "The Star-Spangled Banner" took on a little more meaning for opposing hitters when Duren was on the mound with his fastball. Williams says Harrigan can bring it. But his control needs work. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., enters her third year as the Democrats' skipper. She's the first woman to manage the team. Women first played in the game in 1993. Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., along with former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and current Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., broke the gender barrier. Both Lincoln and Cantwell played as House Members. Sanchez appeared in 11 games and is one of the best women to suit up. She hit .455, going 5-11 with two walks. Sanchez bleeds Dodger blue. She historically wears a Fernando Valenzuela jersey while managing. Valenzuela was one of the most iconic Dodgers of all time, capturing the 1981 Cy Young Award with his screwball as "Fernandomania" seized southern California. Valenzuela died last fall. But Sanchez used to pull for the "California" Angels – now the Los Angeles Angels. Sanchez switched her allegiance from the Halos to the Dodgers after the Angels let Nolan Ryan escape to the Houston Astros in late 1979. One wonders how Sanchez would have felt if she were a New York Mets fan back when they traded Ryan to the Angels? Sanchez's success at the plate hasn't followed her into the Democrats' dugout. Republicans have captured the last four contests – including the two which Sanchez managed. Republicans pounded the Democrats last year, 31-11. The GOP topped the Democrats 16-6 in 2023. There was no game in 2020 due to the pandemic. So the Democrats haven't won since 2019. Republicans hold a 38-23 advantage in the "modern" era of the game. They began playing the Congressional game in 1909. But late House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, halted the game because it became too violent. There was a legendary collision at home plate in the 1956 game. Late Rep. Charles Curtis, R-Mo., was catching for the GOP. Rep. Olin "Tiger" Teague, D-Texas, steamrolled Curtis at the plate. Teague is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But Teague buried Curtis at home in that game. Orderlies hauled Curtis off the old Griffith Stadium field on a stretcher. Lawmakers resumed the game in 1962. Sanchez is buoyed by at least four new freshmen – or rookies – on her club. Reps. Dave Min, D-Calif., Derek Tran, D-Calif., John Mannion, D-N.Y., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md. "Our principal weakness has been not a lot of depth to our bullpen. And this year we've got a couple of freshmen that can throw. So we're hoping that with those additions, we can do a lot better this year," said Sanchez. Expect Mannion to work in relief. Like most Major League clubs, the Democrats need pitching. "We had a great run for a little while when Cedric Richmond was on the mound," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who pitches, catches and plays infield for the Democrats. Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., is one of the greatest players in Congressional Baseball Game history. He pitched in college. He threw 80-mph-plus to stymie fellow lawmakers. Richmond boasted an 8-0 record and a miniscule 2.64 ERA. But Richmond left Congress to work for former President Biden in 2021. The Democrats haven't been formidable since. Heading into Wednesday's contest, Sanchez teased that her goal with the Republicans in the game is "making them cry." "But we come together and do something good for the area," added Sanchez, noting the $2 million the game raises for children's charities in the DC area. But she concedes, "there's always trash talk." So Democrats try to escape from their slump. The Democrats haven't won under Sanchez. But they're oh-fer since House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took over in 2023. "It's my expectation that the Democratic comeback is going to begin in 2025 at the Congressional Baseball Game," said Jeffries last week. But the Brooklyn Democrat said the same thing two years ago. "I think this is the year for the big, Democratic comeback," said Jeffries in June 2023. So, I questioned Jeffries in the Capitol corridors late last week. "You realize since you've been the Minority Leader that the Republicans have defeated the Democrats by a combined score of 47 to 1?" asked yours truly. "I also realize that my record as an active member of the Congressional Baseball Game team, I believe, was 9-1," replied Jeffries. But is that because of Jeffries? Or Cedric Richmond? Statistics are paramount in baseball. Whether you're scoring at home. Or using the Congressional Budget Office. Jeffries is 1-6 hitting in his nine games on the Democratic squad. That's good for a .167 average. Well below the Mendoza Line. But he did swipe seven bases. And this year, Democrats will again try to steal a win against a talented Republican club. Gametime at 7pm ET on FS1 Wednesday. Yours truly will be on the call alongside colleague Kevin Corke.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Without them' there'd be no America
Because of the ultimate sacrifices made by numerous men and women in uniform throughout America's history, we enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms we hold dear, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, and others said on Monday morning. 'Without the bravery and commitment of our [men and women in uniform] there would be no American story,' Williams said. 'Throughout American history those in uniform have stepped up to protect and defend our people and uphold the values that make our country the greatest in the history of the world.' More than 80 residents, many of them veterans and/or family members of veterans, gathered at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery to honor those lost in past wars. The early hours of Monday saw downpour, which played out by the time the ceremony's 10 a.m. start time. 'Isn't God good?' American Legion Auxiliary member Marty Peters asked as she opened Monday's ceremony. 'It's not raining and I had prayed that it wouldn't be all week.' Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance referenced Memorial Day's true purpose while delivering the opening prayer. 'We come this morning to honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion for the freedoms we hold dear,' Severance said. 'We thank you for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in defense of our nation.' Severance spoke of the enormity of those sacrifices. 'Their courage, their selflessness and their unwavering commitment to duty are etched forever into the soul of our country,' Severance said. 'May we never take for granted the liberties they died to protect.' Cleburne Mayor Pro Tem Blake Jones talk of the importance with which Cleburne's first responders, community leaders, residents and especially veterans hold service. 'We gather today in solemn remembrance, deep gratitude and unwavering respect for the men and women who gave their lives in service of our great nation. 'And not only their sacrifices, but to recommit ourselves to the values they defended including freedom, duty and country.' Williams, who served as keynote speaker, agreed. 'Memorial Day is a time for us to gather and reflect on the true cost of our freedom,' Williams said. 'May we be inspired by the patriotism and valor of those who gave their today so that we can simply have our tomorrow.' Williams discussed the history of Decoration Day, which over time became Memorial Day and reiterated the importance of paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Those heroes carry a legacy of honor, strength and steadfast duty to defend against those who threaten America's freedoms and liberty,' Williams said. That, Williams added, must never be forgotten and places a duty on all of us as well. 'As Americans, we've proudly carried this tradition forward,' Williams said. 'But it remains our duty to ensure that our next generation never loses sight of the importance of this day. We must never take for granted the freedoms and liberties our service men and woman valiantly fought to preserve.' U.S. Army Veteran Terry Mangrum spoke of how, after completing his military service in 1987, he came home to start a business. Mangrum recalled Jeremy Allmon who he employed in 1987 and who, in part inspired by Mangrum, decided to join the military. 'He was 17,' Mangrum said. 'I myself was 17 when I joined. On Feb. 5, 2005 I was at a pastor's conference in Phoenix when I got word that he had been killed by an improvised explosive device. I believe he was the first Johnson County resident killed in the Iraqi War.' The point, Mangrum stressed, is for all of us to heed our calling being that military service or elsewhere and then do our best to contribute back. Cleburne Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Thomas also spoke of honor and remembrance due those who paid the ultimate price as well as their loved ones left behind. 'Words can never replace the emotional feelings that each and every one of them have gone through,' Thomas said. 'We must never forget.' Sons of the American Legion member James Feaster highlighted the POW/MIA Table and the significance of the items placed upon it while ALA President Candy Maples discussed the significance of the Military Child Ceremonial Table while several children added items to it. Peters and former Cleburne ALA Past President Nelda Grande discussed the importance of poppies and the World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields.' Elisha Leonard, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, discussed the history of 'Taps' after which Cleburne student Lukas Leonard played the same while several children joined Williams in placing a wreath on a veteran's grave.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
R.I. Commerce commits nearly $1M to HISTORY Channel deal
A mural designed by James Allen King of Scituate on the interior of dome of the Rhode Island State House depicts Roger Williams and his followers meeting Native Americans. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) State tourism officials plan to spend nearly $1 million to promote Rhode Island on the HISTORY Channel through next July as the network commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has partnered with the HISTORY Channel to air commercials promoting the first state to declare independence from Great Britain as part of the networks' 'History Honors 250' campaign. The deal is the network's first with any state, according to the corporation's April 25 announcement. 'You can't tell the story of America without telling the story of Rhode Island,' Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. 'Showcasing Rhode Island's rich HISTORY through this partnership with the HISTORY Channel not only honors our state's heritage — it drives tourism and strengthens our local economy.' 'History Honors 250' will share Rhode Island's role in American HISTORY through specially produced segments to air on the cable network, along with ads during select prime-time shows. But the Commerce Corporation is keeping hush on what historic moments will be featured in the $965,000 campaign. Spokesperson Matt Touchette said ads were still being developed by a third-party company as of Tuesday afternoon. He declined to name the third party company, saying the terms of the contract are confidential. 'When we're ready to release more details, I'll be sure to let you know,' Touchette said in an email. Meanwhile, in response to an inquiry from Rhode Island Current, McKee's office offered via email: 'The Governor is excited to see the rich history of Rhode Island showcased nationally—including the legacy of Roger Williams and the Burning of the Gaspee.' Rhode Island's partnership with the HISTORY Channel will include themed editorial articles and video content posted online, as well as social media engagement through branded posts and influencer collaborations, Touchette said. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will hold a sweepstakes, which the HISTORY Channel will promote on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook along with an interactive trivia unit to highlight the state's historic milestones, cultural contributions, and notable figures. The ad campaign is scheduled to kick off May 22 and run through July 5, 2026. 'Rhode Island holds a pivotal role in the rich tapestry of our nation's HISTORY, and we are excited to craft engaging content that not only resonates with audiences today but also inspires future generations,' Niki Mandell, vice president of media solutions at A+E Global Media, HISTORY Channel's parent company, said in a statement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Boston Globe
24-04-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
R.I. museum urged to rethink historical exhibit
Advertisement The name of the gallery, 'Coming to Rhode Island,' is problematic in and of itself. It suggests the area we know today as the State of Rhode Island has always been called such. Of course, this isn't true. It wasn't even true for the first Europeans to make contact. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up The Wampanoag, Narragansett, and other Algonquian-speaking peoples called the large island at the mouth of Narragansett Bay 'Aquidneck.' After Puritan leader Roger Williams established Providence Plantations in 1636, European settlers consolidated their neighboring communities under the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. By the mid-1640s, Europeans Advertisement The Colonial English disrupted Indigenous trade networks, dismantled political structures, and waged war on local tribes and nations. They By calling the gallery 'Coming to Rhode Island' and foregrounding the English as the earliest inhabitants of the land, Providence Children's Museum perpetuates a remarkable power imbalance. 'Coming to Rhode Island' makes only passing mention of the non-white people who occupied the area since time immemorial. It also makes no reference to Aquidneck. In addition, 'Coming to Rhode Island' neglects the Africans who were bound and trafficked to New England as slaves in the early 17th century. By the 1640s, Rhode Islanders were They prohibited slavery as bondage for life and implemented a 10-year limit on their bondage, but the law went largely unenforced. Other measures like taxes on imported enslaved people and strict customs inspections were enacted but likewise went unenforced. By the mid 1700s, the community of Advertisement Rhode Island's posture toward Indigenous, African, and enslaved peoples is a dark chapter in its history, but it's hardly unique. Indigenous dispossession of land and the institution of slavery helped generate great wealth and prosperity around New England. It's a complex dynamic that poses a number of challenges and questions about who lived here, when they lived here, what happens when different cultural identities collide, and whose story ultimately gets told. There's no better place to consider these questions than a learning environment like that at the Providence Children's Museum. The museum made positive strides when it included stories of local Hispanic communities, but its work is not finished. If it's going to interpret the history of immigration in Rhode Island – which is a worthy topic of exploration, and an important one for youths to grasp – it needs to include the bad and the ugly along with the good. To round out the contours of the narrative, it needs to shed light on the darkness. To tell the full story, it must Nick DeLuca is a public historian from New England, resident of Rhode Island, and experience coordinator at the Providence Children's Museum.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Will Trump's Tariffs Impact Small Businesses?
Rep. Roger Williams (R) Texas weighs in on President Trump imposing tariffs on US trading partners worldwide, and what this means for small business owners. He also talks about the reaction from markets, how manufacturing businesses will be impacted, and if Congress can pass a tax bill by the end of May. Representative Williams speaks with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power." Sign in to access your portfolio
