Georgia lawmakers take rivalry from Gold Dome to the kickball diamond

March 20th, 2024

The Senate defeated the House of Representatives with a score of 8-6 after seven innings. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Instead of suiting up in their usual business attire, Georgia lawmakers and their staff wore cleats and athletic wear for the General Assembly’s annual House vs. Senate kickball game on Tuesday.

Under the leadership and coaching of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the Senate came out asserting their dominance early on, holding a five-run lead in the fourth inning. House Speaker Jon Burns and his team adjusted their defense, substituting lawmakers and interns eager to turn the game’s tide.

Lt. Governor Burt Jones at the plate during the House v. Senate Kickball Game in Atlanta on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

The House’s morale noticeably changed after Rep. Kasey Carpenter managed to make it on base, sneaking past a toss to the Jones who was playing first base. This allowed the House to close the gap to only three runs in the fifth.

Flyouts led to the end of most innings, and the volunteer referees struggled to keep track of the outs because of the mulligans granted when both teams were caught with more than nine players on the field multiple times during the game.

A few playful arguments were had between the two chambers and the umpires, but sportsmanship prevailed through all the chaos. The House continued to pressure the Senators through the last two innings, but it wasn’t enough. The Senate defeated the House of Representatives with a score of 8-6 after seven innings.

A few playful arguments were had between the two chambers and the umpires, but sportsmanship prevailed through all the chaos. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

After the game, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue presented the trophy to Jones. After handing the trophy to his team, Jones thanked Burns “for playing the same five guys all game long.”

“We’re really proud of the Senate; y’all finally won something,” Burns shot back before the two leaders shared a laugh and high-five.

Lawmakers return to the Gold Dome on Wednesday, with four legislative days left until Sine Die.

“The kickball game is just a fun way to let your hair down; it’s been a long, long session,” Rep. Phil Olaleye told WABE after the game, “Anytime you’re able to put party affiliation or chamber affiliation aside, come out and let the competitive juices flow and have fun with staff and your colleagues — you can’t go wrong.”