U.S. Congress members ROGER WILLIAMS (R-Texas) and MIKE DOYLE (D-Penn.) are forming the first Congressional Baseball Caucus, something Williams said he hopes can “take the edge off the tension that we have every day” by talking sports and sharing baseball stories, according to Hannah Hess of ROLL CALL. Williams, who played in the Braves' minor-league system for three years, brought up the idea to Doyle “after reflecting on how baseball lightened the mood of the body even in the midst of budget bickering and assorted scandals.” Doyle said the 23 Democrats and 38 Republicans on the roster for the '13 Congressional Baseball Game in June “developed a little bit of a camaraderie through the game.” Hall reported the group, approved by the House Administration Committee on Oct. 24, “already has commitments from many of the members who were on the diamond in June and some of the players who compete in the annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game.” Doyle said, “When you know somebody personally and know a little bit about them and their family, I think it leads to a little more civility. I think we could use a little more civility in the House, so I’m for anything that helps do that” (ROLLCALL.com, 11/12).
