Coach Sánchez, Democrats ‘Coming for Republicans’ in Congressional Baseball Game

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), coach of the Democratic Congressional Baseball Team, released the following statement on tonight’s game:

“I’ve told Republican Coach Williams we are ready and coming for his team. We’re looking for redemption and to break our current streak of three losses.

“When I took over as coach last year, we had a lot of freshman players and I didn’t know their skill set yet. This year is different. We have a season under our belts and I have had the chance to learn their skill sets and use that to mold them into better position players. There is a lot of talent on this team and we’re ready to win.

“I love baseball and this great game raises a lot of money for local DC charities. And I’m proud to be part of that bipartisan tradition. But it’s also very competitive and it’s about bragging rights in Congress. Our team is looking to win those bragging rights!”

Sánchez last year became the first woman to coach a team in the Congressional Baseball Game. She has played on the team since 2003, playing under two different head coaches before taking over from Coach Mike Doyle (D-PA) after he retired from Congress in December 2022.

In the past, Sánchez sported “IX” on the back of her jersey in support of Title IX and to encourage more women to get involved in sports. Last year, in keeping with the tradition of Democratic coaches wearing a jersey of their hometown baseball team, Sánchez switched to a Fernando Valenzuela jersey in honor of the legendary Mexican-born Dodgers pitcher. She will wear the same jersey for this year’s game.

A lifelong Dodgers fan, Congresswoman Sánchez grew up playing organized fast-pitched softball and casual baseball with her four brothers. It is a love she has passed on to her son, Joaquin.

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