WASHINGTON, D.C. - North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker is ready to take the mound in the 57th Congressional Baseball Game for Charity Thursday night.
Walker is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Republicans, who are the home team. The game is a bipartisan event between republican and democrat representatives.
Thursday marked the one-year anniversary since a gunman shot at Republican members of Congress at a practice for last year's game.
Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was shot during the practice but plans to play tonight after numerous surgeries and a lengthy recovery. Walker shared his thoughts on Scalise's battle back:
"At this time last year, we knew our friend Steve Scalise was hanging between life and death," Walker said. "Gratefully, he survived and has made progress on his long road to recovery. He continues to fight through as we work in Congress to bring hope and prosperity to the families of North Carolina. Taking the ball field today – as we raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Club – will be a powerful testament to not only Scalise’s recovery, but the opportunity of every man, woman, and child to drive through adversity and achieve success."
The teams held their final practice before the game Thursday morning. The game starts at 7 p.m. at Nationals Park.
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