Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas became the first black woman to play ball for the democrats at the annual Congressional Baseball Game on Wednesday nights.
Crockett said he was inspired to play in the baseball game, even though his practices are in the «wee hours of the morning,» after speaking with his legislative adviser.
“We have a record number of women who are in Congress right now, and then when it comes to the Democratic side, even in my class, we have a record number of black women,” Crockett told NBC News. «For this to really be a congressional game, we felt it was really important to make the sacrifices very early in the morning.»
The Republican Party team won 16-6 against the Democrats, the third straight victory for the Republicans in the series. The bipartisan game is a tradition in Washington, DC, dating back to 1909, in which lawmakers play baseball to raise money for charity. Proceeds this year will go to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Washington Metropolitan Areafrom washington National Philanthropies and the Washington Literacy Center.
Former Representative Mia Love from Utah, the first black Republican woman elected to Congress, was the first black woman to play in the game in 2018. Crockett was the only woman to play on the Democrats’ side this year. Representative Linda Sanchez of California was one of her trainers.
Crockett spoke about the importance of the bipartisan game at a time when the country is dealing with divisive politics.
“Send a signal that we are still making progress in this country and don’t give up on us. There are some of us who are constantly fighting to break the next glass ceiling,” Crockett said. «Hopefully, it will be a vision of hope and inspiration for those who may feel like they’re taking a bit of a beating right now.»
Crockett has represented Texas’ 30th congressional district in the US House of Representatives since 2023. He previously served one term in the Texas House of Representatives.