An evil man arrived at a baseball field this morning where Republican lawmakers were practicing for tomorrow night's congressional baseball game and started shooting. With a rifle and at least 50 bullets, the gunman hit several players including Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise.

But before the condition of those wounded was known, too many began moralizing. Even as GOP staffers were being rushed to the hospital, some on the left blamed guns and others on the right blamed the media for the attack. That was wrong.

There's only one response appropriate in the face of tragedy, and the Democrat roster practicing at a different diamond across town displayed it: They prayed.

Wearing sweaty workout clothes, Democrats asked God to protect Republicans. Unable to help their colleagues in the moment, they were driven to their knees, turning a concrete dugout into an impromptu sanctuary.



It was beautiful and it was good. And most of all, it was American.

Our nation's pastime, baseball is a manifestation of democracy. At least in the National League, every player must be able to throw, field, and bat. Because of that democratic ethos, there's no division on the field, only unity around the love of this American game.

Throughout our history, baseball has broken down society's barriers. That happened again this morning. Though partisanship has reached a fever pitch in this country, it hasn't gotten so bad that liberals won't pray for conservatives. As a nation, we should put aside what divides us, follow their example, and unite in prayer.

Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.