- The Story of the First Congressional Baseball Game - 

Most years since 1909, Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill have squared off in a good-natured contest -- the Congressional Baseball Game. Once a modest affair, the event now draws more than twenty thousand fans and raises more than two million dollars annually for local charities.

This is the story of the very first congressional game. Contemporaneous news accounts were whimsical, to say the least, and the few brief retrospectives on that game have reflected that whimsy. But the fact is that, even as the participants were as light-hearted as the reporters, the first of these games had a most serious purpose.

This is a story about a baseball game, but also one about political gamesmanship. The two were inseparable: The "game" was played to serve the purposes of the chief gamesman.

In 1909, the House of Representatives was immersed in a struggle over a single issue -- tariff reform -- that had all the elements of a sordid political drama -- special interests, sectionalism, ideological clashes, distrust, resentment, personal animosities, intense partisanship, cynicism, and money -- a great deal of money -- all presided over by House Speaker "Uncle Joe" Cannon, a tyrannical leader with an agenda. In the heat of an unairconditioned summer, the pressure on the Hill built to an intolerable level. A safety valve was needed. Enter the Congressional Baseball Game.

Baseball as a recreational sport. Politics as a blood sport. These are the elements of our tale. And when it was over literally everything had changed.

REVIEWS:

SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR – American Writing Awards.

WINNER of the 2025 Storytrade Award for Best Book on Politics.

“In a year marked by cultural division and uncertainty, The House Divided stands as a reminder that sport has always possessed the quiet power to unify. J.B. Manheim’s masterfully researched and richly contextualized narrative captures a forgotten moment in American history when political rivals set aside ideology, took the same field, and rediscovered common purpose. Beyond its historical insight, the book reveals something deeper about the national character — how teamwork, respect, and play can bridge the very divides that threaten to define us.

“This is more than a story about baseball; it is a meditation on civility and connection, showing that even amid disagreement, America’s pastime remains a metaphor for hope. By honoring The House Divided, the judges recognize not only superb scholarship and storytelling but also a timely call to empathy — a reminder that the shared values found in sport can still bring us together.” American Writing Awards

“The House Divided is a home run, blending baseball’s charm with Capitol Hill’s drama. Dive into the story of the first Congressional Baseball Game – where sportsmanship met political gamesmanship. MUST-read for history buffs & baseball fans!” Baseball Almanac

“The House Divided is a highly recommended must-read for political history buffs and baseball fans from cover to cover.” Readers’ Favorite

“A supremely interesting and well-researched deep dive into a unique chapter in American history. The book shines in its portrayal of how sports can bring people together across divides – something we desperately need today. For those interested in the molding of politics, culture, and sports, Manheim serves up an intelligent and thoughtful read.” Readers’ Favorite

by J.B. Manheim
Page Count: 182
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: April 22, 2025
Imprint: Sunbury Press
Genre: Baseball History

SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History
HISTORY / United States / 20th Century
POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / Legislative Branch