By Susan Cornwell

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As partisan standoffs in the U.S. Congress risk a government shutdown and debt default, lawmakers take a timeout on Wednesday for one of Washington’s few remaining bipartisan traditions: their annual baseball game.

The 2021 contest between the Democrats and Republicans, an event that typically raises over $1 million for charity, will be played at the stadium normally used by Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals.

Democrats and Republicans started the tradition of wearing gloves to play each other every year in 1909. The COVID-19 pandemic caused last year’s cancellation. This also meant that the game would not take place until the close of the baseball season.

This builds connections and provides a break from the most partisanship-filled atmospheres that I have seen in Congress. “So I believe in fact it is probably more needed now than ever,” Republican Representative Kevin Brady declared ahead of Wednesday’s game.

Brady, who is 66 years old, stated that he will play second base and bat second. “This at my age it’s really exciting.”

Both sides have shared past victories. Cedric, a former Morehouse College pitcher, will not take the mound for Democrats as in past years. He is now working at the White House of President Joe Biden.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (Democrats’ pitcher) tried to reduce expectations before the game. In an email, he stated that the last time he had taken to the field was when he was 8.

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise will serve as the lead batter for Republicans. He was almost killed in 2017, after being shot during a practice game for baseball.

There will be new players from both sides as well, such as Jon Ossoff of Georgia. Ossoff, who is only 34, could make a great addition to the Democrats. He received rave reviews for his supreme Frisbee performances in high school. While attending the London School of Economics, he played third base in the British Baseball Federation for South London Pirates.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican), is an ally and passionate CrossFit fan who wears the “Trump won’ mask on Capitol Hill.

Hakeem Jeffries from the House Democratic Caucus, will be taking the field Wednesday night. He was asked about whether it would be difficult for bipartisan moments to occur when playing against opponents who believe Biden won.

He stated that he will keep the emphasis on the fact the game is raising money for charity. He stated, “Hopefully people will get out of politics under Capitol dome.”