GOP baseball team returns to field
Congressional team holds emotional practices at site of last year’s shooting
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – As a light rain trickled down Wednesday, Republican members of Congress returned to a baseball field where a gunman critically wounded fellow lawmaker Steve Scalise and shattered their sense of security nearly a year ago.
“Today is an emotional day,” said Texas Rep. Joe Barton, manager of the Republican congressional baseball team. “But it’s also a rebirth, a renewal. I’m proud of the team.”
On June 14, Republican lawmakers practicing for their annual charity baseball game against Democrats found themselves scrambling to dodge gunfire from a man behind a chain-link fence.
One of those bullets hit Scalise, the House majority whip from Louisiana and the third-ranking Republican leader, in the hip. Scalise, who played second base, was near death when he arrived at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
The gunman, James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill., was shot and killed by Scalise’s bodyguards — Capitol Police special agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey. They were injured, along with congressional aide Zachary Barth and lobbyist Matt Mika.
Wednesday was the first time the team returned to Simpson Field since the shooting. Security was tight. Armed Capitol Police officers stood guard outside the fence.
The players, many of whom recalled the chaos and fear of last year, fanned out across the field.
Some wore Capitol Police baseball caps as a salute to the officers, whom they credited with saving their lives. They praised the local law enforcement officers and first responders.
Barton said it was important to show the team would not be intimidated.
He said returning to the field “epitomizes what makes America great.”
Texas Rep. Roger Williams, the team coach, called last year’s shooting a “total life-changer.”
“It just reminded us how precious life is, how short life is. You’re really not in control,” said Williams, who was injured during the shooting. “So I’m glad we’re here. I’m glad we’re starting again, but it’s an event. … It will stay in my heart.”
Williams said players prayed individually before hitting the field.
Barton said the team will rotate practice locations as a security measure.
“We’re not going to quit playing baseball,” Williams said. “If it means a little more security to keep everybody safe and feel better, that’s fine.”
“Today is an emotional day. But it’s also a rebirth, a renewal. I’m proud of the team.”
Texas Rep. Joe Barton Manager of the Republican congressional baseball team
Scalise, whose recovery involved him wheeling around the Capitol in a motorized scooter souped up with Louisiana State University gear, underwent a procedure last week and could not attend the practice. He mostly uses canes to get around. When Scalise returned to Congress last fall, he was greeted by a standing ovation from Democrats and Republicans.
Barton read a statement from Scalise praising his teammates.
“It is so important that we continue to maintain this annual tradition,” Scalise said. “Most years we compete for starting positions and rekindle old relationships. But this year is different. The whole country is watching with pride as we come together and prove that one act of madness will not deter the spirit of camaraderie and philanthropy that has made this such a strong tradition in Congress. Play ball!”