Chandler named co-MVP in congressional baseball game; Ron Paul honored with HOF nod

There was no Grand Old Party last night for Republicans after Democrats dominated the annual Congressional Baseball game with a final score of 18 – 5 in the abbreviated seven inning contest at Nationals Park in Washington.

Three members of Kentucky’s delegation made the rosters with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul playing centerfield for the Republicans and U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler playing shortstop for the Democrats. Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth of Louisville came into the game late as a pinch runner and then had one plate appearance.

Chandler, wearing a Berea College jersey, helped the Democrats take the lead scoring one of eleven runs in the top of the second inning, and he shared MVP honors with Democratic pitcher Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, who started the game.

Chandler, the grandson of former Major League Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler, had three hits, a walk, three stolen bases and four RBI’s in the game. And, as Chandler’s spokeswoman Meghan Groob was quick to note, Chandler threw out Paul at a play at first base at one point.

It was also a big game for Paul. His father Rep. Ron Paul of Texas was inducted into the congressional league hall of fame. Rep. Paul threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game in his 1970’s Astros jersey to his son. And the younger Paul was the only senator to play in Thursday night’s game, as the Huffington Post reported.

Sen. Paul, who was sporting a Western Kentucky University jersey, also brought some lighthearted politics to the field.

“You know the Democrats believe in a lot of regulations, right? And so we came forward with a new regulation for them this year, but they won’t agree to it. We thought that there ought to be a new rule saying you can only pitch two innings, one individual can only pitch two innings. Because you know, their pitcher’s kind of good,” Paul told CBS News. .

The game raised a quarter of a million dollars for charity which set a new record.