Security tightened ahead of Congressional Baseball Game after shooting

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, 3 others recovering from injuries

WASHINGTON – Security was tightened up Thursday at Nationals Park ahead of the annual Congressional Baseball Game, a day after U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, was shot during a practice in Alexandria, Virginia.

Capitol police could be seen going in and out of the ballpark throughout Thursday morning.

Some thought the game wouldn't go on because of Wednesday's shooting, but lawmakers said they want to play the game for Scalise, who is a baseball fanatic.

"This is a big deal," U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Florida, said. "I hope there is a massive attendance to the game, a strong show of unity and statement and commitment that we are going to come together as one."

The baseball game has been a Washington tradition since 1909.

It's also an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to get off the floor and onto the field for a friendly competition that raises money for charity.

But Thursday night's Congressional Baseball Game will have a somber tone as Scalise and three others continue to recover in the hospital.

"(I'm) feeling really good," Scalise said about the game last week. "We're defending the title, bringing it with a heavy attitude. We're competitive people by nature, and when you get to go out in a major league ballpark and play a kid's game, there's nothing like it."

Scalise is well known for his love of the game.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the game amid growing security concerns.

Capitol police were already in place Thursday morning ahead of the first pitch, which is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to various charities to help underprivileged youth in the D.C. area. In previous years, the game has raised more than $600,000.

Click here to donate to the cause.