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Friday, July 18, 2008

The New Republic: Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game

What in the name of costly Frelinghuysen is going on!

But Republicans rallied off of the Democratic relief pitcher, Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan, in the bottom of the seventh, quickly loading the bases (thanks in part to a failed, illegal Democratic attempt at the hidden ball trick). The Dems then sent their starting pitcher, Baca, back into the game. After a wild pitch, a popout, and an intentional walk, Democrats clung to a 10-9 lead with one out. Baca (a former semi-pro shortstop who, at 61, turned in a very impressive performance) then got Rep. Connie Mack IV of Florida (who was, appropriately, sporting a Philadelphia Athletics jersey) to hit a weak comebacker. Baca threw home for the second out, and the Democratic catcher, Rep. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, had plenty of time to throw to first to complete the game-ending double play. But Murphy’s throw sailed into right field; the tying run scored easily and speedy pinch-runner Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida raced home ahead of the relay with the winning run for the GOP. Republicans 11, Democrats 10--and the Dems still haven’t won since 2000. Not quite change we can believe in.

Repoz Posted: July 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM | 12 comment(s)
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1. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 18, 2008 at 04:20 PM (#2864010)

Damn you Chris Murphy, you blew home-field advantage for the 2008 elections. Way to Uggla the game, dude!

Here's a story on the 2007 game.

2. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 18, 2008 at 04:36 PM (#2864043)

A pre-game story:

Doyle is attempting to take advantage of the game's friendly rules, which allow for unlimited substitutions, so players can come in and out of the game repeatedly. This means that some lawmakers who can hit but can't field won't get anywhere near the field. This includes smooth-swinging Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.). Others should keep their gloves warm and leave their bats in their offices.

"I've got a runner's card, a hitter's card and a fielder's card," Doyle said, noting that pressure is building within the caucus. "I've got about 17 guys that aren't speaking to me, I've got two death threats -- and those are within my own delegation. Other than that, it's going fine."

More stuff, here

North Carolina 11th District Congressional Representative Heath Shuler was a disappointment at RFK Stadium over the weekend as the Democrats lost the first two games of the 46th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball best of five game series. Despite putting on a show in batting practice, including hitting four home runs out of RFK Stadium, Shuler went hitless on the day. RFK has has always been tough on Heath.

3. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 18, 2008 at 04:56 PM (#2864062)

Also, not to filibuster but.. any word on when the Nationals will sign Shimkus?

4. Cabbage Posted: July 18, 2008 at 05:11 PM (#2864069)

I understand one of the Louisiana Democrats was in charge of keeping about 90,000 baseballs in the stadium freezer.

5. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 18, 2008 at 05:29 PM (#2864080)

I was scanning through LexisNexis on the game, and found this (Roll Call, 7/14/03)

In the 1996 game, Holden broke his nose, jaw and cheekbone in a collision with Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.).

I found an article mentioning Joe Baca having to go to Frank Jobe to fix a ruptured ligament from one game.

And this is a charity game!

But it's a lot more legit than the Congressional Softball League.

6. robinred Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM (#2864481)

Maybe that 6000-post beast burned out those of us who talk politics here--of course, it is only Day 1 on this one.

7. Chip Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:31 PM (#2864525)

8. Chip Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM (#2864526)

9. Chip Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:33 PM (#2864529)

10. Chip Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:33 PM (#2864531)

Oops. Wrong thread.

11. TVerik Posted: July 18, 2008 at 10:42 PM (#2864547)

I think the Dems need some ringers next time.

I choose... Ken Griffey, Jr.

12. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 18, 2008 at 11:00 PM (#2864575)

The DCCC will now pick challengers for open seats based on athletic ability.

"Dan Maffei, you're a good candidate, but can you play baseball?"

Or they'll go to known commodities to get them into the game

"Jon Tester, you only have a finger and a thumb on your left hand, can you throw a baseball with that hand?" (if that fails, they go to Rahm Emanuel)

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Friday, July 18, 2008

The New Republic: Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game

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