Baseball and Politics: A Game Beyond the Diamond

Baseball and politics have always been a big deal in the U. S. They both bring people together and sometimes drive them apart. A recent book, "House Divided, " dives into the story of the first congressional baseball game, which started in 1909 and is still going strong today. This game pits Democrats against Republicans, and it's not just about scoring runs—it's about bridging political divides. The author of "House Divided" is J. B. Manheim, a political scientist who has taught at several universities. He retired in 2012 and now lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Manheim's interest in baseball and politics led him to write this book, which explores the history and significance of the congressional baseball game. He has written eight books in total, all centered around baseball mysteries and legal thrillers. One of the key figures in the story is John Tener, a former Major League pitcher who became a politician. Tener played in the first congressional baseball game and later became a congressman himself. However, his political career was short-lived, and he is often miscredited with creating the game. Despite this, Tener's role in the game and his political career make him an interesting figure in the story. The congressional baseball game has evolved over the years, from a one-off event to a major charity event. This year's game raised about $2. 8 million and sold 30, 000 tickets. The game has always been a way for politicians to let off steam and build camaraderie, even during heated political times. In fact, the first game was played during a time of high political tension, and it served as a way to relieve some of that tension. Manheim's book also touches on the history of baseball and its role in American culture. He and a friend are currently working on an index of "fan frustration, " which ranks teams based on how frustrating they are to their fans. As a longtime Indians and Nationals fan, Manheim knows a thing or two about fan frustration. He has seen his fair share of losing seasons and droughts, including Cleveland's longest drought without an MVP since 1953. In the end, the congressional baseball game is more than just a game—it's a symbol of unity and a way for politicians to come together, even during divisive times. Manheim's book sheds light on the history and significance of this game, and it's a must-read for anyone interested in baseball, politics, or American history.