Republicans go MAGA in congressional baseball game; Olszewski bats cleanup for Democrats – Baltimore Sun

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WASHINGTON — Maryland Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr., and his Democratic teammates arrived Wednesday for the annual Democrats vs. Republicans congressional baseball game wearing uniforms selected to reflect their individual House districts.
Olszewski, the Democrats’ 6-foot-6, left-handed-hitting cleanup hitter, wore the uniform of Towson High School, which is in his district. He was Maryland’s only player in the well-attended game, which was played on a warm night at Nationals Park.
Republicans’ uniforms were a bit more conspicuous.
While the Democrats’ mismatched jerseys reflected each player’s individual tastes, the GOP players arrived in matching bright-red jerseys with “USA” across the front.
As if there was any doubt about their political loyalty, the Republicans’ wore red caps with “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” in white lettering.
The garb gave President Donald Trump a presence at the ballpark even if the 45th and 47th president was not actually there. Some presidents have showed up in the past, including Democratic President Joe Biden, Trump’s predecessor.
“The coach makes the decision on the uniforms,” said Republican Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde, referring to GOP coach Roger Williams. “You know, I think the president liked it,” Clyde said.
Clyde was holding out before the game that Trump might attend. “I don’t know the president’s schedule but it would rock the house, that’s for sure,” he said. But Trump didn’t show up, instead attending a performance of “Les Miserables” at the Kennedy Center.
Democrats, who feel like underdogs politically after losing the White House to Trump in 2024, were clearly not the favorites on the baseball field either.
Republicans, who had a much larger roster, entered the evening having won the previous four contests, including a 31-11 victory last year.
“I’m here to win,” Olszewski said before the game started. “I’m also cognizant that this is for charity. And that we can and should be bipartisan whenever we can be.”
The former Baltimore County executive, who played competitively in his teen years, is a rare player who throws right-handed and bats left-handed. He knocked in a run in the third inning.
Olszewski, a freshman congressman, had a small rooting section in the stands of friends and family, including his wife Marisa and 9-year-old daughter. Some wore orange T-shirts with “Crush one over the fences” written on the back. The “O” in “over” was in Orioles script.
The game, which originated in 1909, annually bills itself as an opportunity to display patriotic togetherness even in eras — like the current one — of extreme partisanship. The contest, which raises millions for charity, was heavily attended by enthusiastic congressional staff and lobbyists.
Others on this year’s Democratic team included California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who is a University of Maryland graduate, Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, the House Democratic Caucus chair. The Republican team included Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst.
As players came to the plate, they were introduced not only by their names but their states and congressional district numbers.
Olszewski and the other players took the game seriously. Each side began practices in early March. The Democrats practiced at 6:45 in the morning at Gallaudet University, near the Capitol.
“It’s a long drive from Baltimore early in the morning. It’s one way to beat traffic though,” Olszewski said.
Said Donny Watson, a Republican coach, of his team’s practices: “They get there by 5:45 and leave around 7:30 so they can go get on TV.”
The game ended with the Republicans winning 13-2.
Have a news tip? Contact Jeff Barker at jebarker@baltsun.com
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