Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt drew blood with a diving catch and took home the MVP award as Republicans continued their dominance in the Congressional Baseball Game.
Schmitt, 50, went viral after going fully airborne chasing a ball hit deep to left field Wednesday. He made the catch but hit the ground face-first. When he got up, blood could be seen on his nose. He stayed in the game – and drew a bipartisan standing ovation.
“Left it all on the field,” wrote Schmitt, who also had two hits and two walks in Republicans’ 11-2 victory. He shared most valuable player honors with Rep. Greg Steube of Florida, who pitched a complete game.
The junior senator’s play ranked No. 5 on ESPN’s Top 10 Plays list.
“Good morning, SportsCenter,” Schmitt wrote Thursday on X.
The win was Republicans’ sixth straight over Democrats, dating back to 2021. The charity match at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., attracted 32,000 fans and raised a record $3.2 million for local children’s charities. It has been held annually for more than 100 years.
Left it all on the field.
Republicans win 11-2
Honored to be named MVP. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5vZtOifN2n
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) June 11, 2026
