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The Question Before the House - Was it a Ball or a Strike?

The Question Before the House - Was it a Ball or a Strike?/tiles/collection/8/8101.xml
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Date

1935-05-25

Maker

International News Photos

Dimensions

8 1/2 x 6 5/8 in. (21.6 x 16.8 cm)

Accession Number

2009.183.000

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

There was no joy on the Republican baseball squad at the start of the 74th Congress. Democrats outnumbered Republicans, and the GOP had lost star pitcher Vince Carter when he was defeated in the November elections. The Democrats, on the other hand, could smell victory after two losing seasons. It was not to be theirs. Unable to field a GOP team, the House turned to the press gallery for competition. The National Press Club sponsored the field day, held in Quantico, Virginia. Vice President and former Speaker John Nance Garner (left) umpired, while Representative Ed Kelly of Illinois (right), sporting a fake beard, hit a homer during his first at-bat.

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Representative Oxley describes the camaraderie between congressional baseball players.

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From the Blog: “As the Game Goes So Goes the Election” . . . or Not
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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov