Congressional Baseball Game

Floor Speech

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Ms. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleagues on another successful Congressional Baseball Game. Sadly, my Democrats were bested this year, but I will tell you this: This year was a rebuilding year for us, and just look at the level of talent we displayed this year.

Congressman Deluzio and Congressman Aguilar were stellar on the mound. Congressman Panetta displayed some Gold-Glove-worthy defense in the outfield, and freshmen Congressmen Jeff Jackson and Greg Casar showed some major speed on the base paths.

Our MVP of the game, Kevin Mullin, had two spectacular catches in left field and a hit to boot. That deserves a round of applause.

Mr. Speaker, I have long said that the biggest winners in the Congressional Baseball Game are the charities that we raise money for. This year, I am proud that we raised over $1.8 million for charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Washington Literacy Center, and the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund.

That is money that will go to things like Little League programs in D.C., language classes for adults learning English, and the families of Capitol Police officers wounded or killed in the line of duty. Those are just a few of the charities that will benefit from the money that we have raised and that, Mr. Speaker, makes the game worth it.

Anyone who knows me knows that my heart is in baseball. I love the game, and I love this event.

I thank the Congressional Sports for Charity Group for another successful year, the over 20,000 fans who came out to the game to watch, and my players, both veterans and newbies alike, for leaving it all on the field.

To Coach Williams and his squad, I congratulate you, but I will say this: Polish up that trophy because we are coming for you next year.

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