One year ago while practicing for a charity baseball game, in Alexandria, Virginia, Majority Whip Rep Steve Scalise (R-LA), along with three others were wounded when a gunman opened fire.
Scalise suffered a shattered hip, pelvis, and left femur, and severe damage to his internal organs. Scalise has undergone nine different surgeries, months of physical therapy since last years shooting.
One year later to the day of the shooting, on Thursday, Scalise took to the field to play second base in the 57th Congressional Baseball game.
Back on the field.. @SteveScalise receives a standing ovation from crowd at Nats Park. #CongressionalBaseballGame pic.twitter.com/DKjIzW3dZF
— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) June 14, 2018
Rep Chuck Fleischman (R-Tennessee) said, via The Hill, “this year is really special with Steve Scalise coming back. Everybody’s healed up. Just a very positive message,” he added, “I love this game.” Fleischman has been playing in the event for eight years.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) said, “Ours prayers are answered.”
.@SpeakerRyan on #CongressionalBaseballGame: "Our prayers are answered. Look at [@SteveScalise]. A year later, to the day, he's out there playing second base." https://t.co/tnTEfKxHw3 pic.twitter.com/0QdRAFOBY7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 15, 2018
Not all the fun could be found on the baseball field.
Senator Hatch regrets not being able to participate in the #CongressionalBaseballGame.
While he enjoys sport, he runs too fast, hits too hard, and throws too well and it simply wasn’t fair to the other athletes. pic.twitter.com/ySVE2oSj4g
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) June 15, 2018
The game lasted seven innings, the Democrats came away with the win, defeating the Republican’s 21-5.
