Sep 29, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Biden attends Congressional Baseball Game at Nats Park

Erin Doherty

President Joe Biden (C) sits with members of the Democrats baseball team during the Congressional Baseball Game for charity at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on September 29 — President Biden (center) sits with members of the Democrats' baseball team during the Congressional Baseball Game for charity at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

President Biden on Wednesday made an appearance at the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park.

Why it matters: Biden's appearance comes amid tense political negotiations on Capitol Hill as lawmakers seek to negotiate the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package as the threat of a government shutdown looms.

The big picture: The Congressional Baseball Game is a yearly tradition — started in 1909 — in which lawmakers from both major parties compete on the field and "solidify friendships off the floor and on the field," per the game's website.

The game also raises money for charity. This year about $1.2 million will go to local causes, including the Washington Literacy Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, CQ Roll Call notes.
This year's game, which is usually played in the summer, was delayed until the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 game was canceled due to the pandemic.

Driving the news: White House press secretary Jen Psaki opened the door for a potential Biden appearance at the game during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying: "We've ruled nothing out."

Add Axios on Google

Biden attends Congressional Baseball Game at Nats Park

What to read next