Republicans outlast Democrats to Claim Victory in the 87th Congressional Baseball Game

Take us out to the ballgame!

After a year off due to the COVID pandemic, the Congressional Baseball Game returned in 2021 with a rare fall classic game. Taking place at Nationals Park in the nation's capital, fans were treated to an exciting back-and-forth contest throughout, with multiple in-the-park home runs. In the end, the Republicans came out on top 13–12. The high-scoring affair was a sweet victory for the GOP after only one win in the past decade. The series is now tied all-time at 43–43–1.

This year's baseball game raised an incredible $1.2 million dollars for charity and drew the political heavyweights. The action was briefly interrupted when President Joe Biden made a surprise guest appearance at the game. President Biden was also inducted into the Congressional Baseball Game Hall of Fame.

The President joined both teams in their respective dugouts to take in the game, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy cheered on their side from the stands.

For the Republicans, Florida Congressman Greg Steube earned the MVP award by doing his best Shohei Ohtani impression, pitching five innings to get the win and hitting the first out-of-the-park homerun since the game moved to Nats Park.

For the Democrats, California’s Jimmy Panetta earned MVP honors with three triples, three runs scored, five RBIs, and stellar defensive play in left field.
More than 60 Members of Congress participated, and everyone is always excited to play in a Major League ballpark.

Members of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) donated many of the baseball equipment and products, which were prominent throughout the game. Our member's donations enhance the game and make the teams look good… in spite of the errors.

For the 2021 game, Wilson, Rawlings, and Franklin Sports provided bats, helmets, catcher’s gear, balls, a ball bag, and batting gloves to the teams.

SFIA is proud to support the Congressional Baseball Game and all Congressional Sports. Sports are a unifier and lead to better relationships in Washington, D.C. SFIA looks forward to continuing the strong tradition of Congressional Sports with the Congressional Women’s Softball game on October 27th versus a Media team and the Congressional Football Game on November 3rd, where Congress teams up with NFL alumni in a game against the U.S. Capitol Police, taking place at Audi field in DC.

Combined, the three games will raise more than $2.3 million for charity!