With nearly two dozen freshmen and one 2012 hopeful, Republicans prepare to take on the Democrats in the 50th Annual Congressional Baseball Game

Natalie Gonnella
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They may be in the middle of a bitter battle over the debt limit, but tonight lawmakers head to Nationals Park for a bit of traditional fun, facing off for charity in the 50th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game. 

A Capitol Hill custom, former professional baseball player Rep. John Tener of Pennsylvania organized the inaugural game in 1909 and the tradition continued until 1958. House Speaker John McCormack revived the event three years later, and the game has taken place every year since. While the Democrats have won the last two games, overall the GOP leads the series 38-34-1. Last year's event attracted over 7,000 fans, raising nearly $200,000 for the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

Making the change from C-SPAN to ESPN this evening, here's a look at the this year's Republican roster:

Rep. Lou Barletta (Pa.): Outfield/Pitcher 

Rep. Joe Barton (Texas): Manager 

Rep. Kevin Brady (Texas): Second Base 

Rep. Mike Conaway (Texas): First Base 

Rep. Rick Crawford (Ark.): Infield 

Rep. Jeff Denham (Calif.): Outfield 

Rep. Robert Dold (Ill.): Shortstop 

Rep. Jeff Duncan (S.C.): Utility 

Rep. Jeff Flake (Ariz.): Third Base 

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (Tenn.): First Base 

Rep. Chris Gibson (N.Y.): Outfield/Pitcher 

Rep. Louie Gohmert (Texas): Outfield 

Rep. Trey Gowdy (S.C.): Second Base 

Rep. Sam Graves (Mo.): Outfield 

Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill.): Utility 

Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.): Third Base 

Rep. Jeff Landry (La.): Outfield 

Rep. Connie Mack IV (Fla.): Shortstop 

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (Mich.): Utility 

Rep. Patrick Meehan (Pa.): Pitcher/Third Base 

Rep. Mick Mulvaney (S.C.): Outfield 

Rep. Steven Palazzo (Miss.): Utility 

Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.): Outfield

Rep. Erik Paulsen (Minn.): Utility 

Rep. Steve Pearce (N.M.): Outfield 

Rep. Todd Platts (Pa.): Catcher 

Rep. Todd Rokita (Ind.): Outfield 

Rep. Tom Rooney (Fla.): First Base 

Rep. Dennis Ross (Fla.): Outfield 

Rep. Steve Scalise (La.): Second Base 

Rep. Austin Scott (Ga.): Outfield 

Rep. Tim Scott (S.C.): Pitcher 

Rep. Pete Sessions (Texas): Third Base Coach

Rep. John Shimkus (Ill.): Pitcher

Rep. Bill Shuster (Pa.): Outfield 

Rep. Adrian Smith (Neb.): Outfield 

Rep. Marlin Stutzman (Ind.): Catcher/Pitcher 

Rep. Joe Walsh (Ill.): Pitcher 

Rep. Daniel Webster (Fla.): Pitcher 

Rep. Rob Wittman (Va.): Outfield 

Rep. Steve Womack (Ark.): Infield/Outfield