Adam Gray practices at Merced College ahead of Congressional Baseball Game

Adam Gray traded in his suit and tie to don Merced College baseball warm-up gear on Friday morning and stepped into the batting cage to take some swings. 

Gray, 47, a member of the United States House of Representatives from California’s 13th congressional district, which includes all of Merced County and parts of Madera County; and parts of Stanislaus, Fresno, and San Joaquin counties, is preparing to play in Congressional Baseball Game on June 11 at Nationals Park in Washington D.C.

The annual Congressional Baseball Game, a tradition that dates back to 1909, pits Democrats against Republicans and raises money for various Washington, D.C., charities. 

While Gray won’t be confused for Major League Baseball stars like Aaron Judge or Mike Trout, he certainly didn’t embarrass himself when he stepped into the cage. Gray sprayed hits across the field as Merced College assistant coach Pat Fuentes threw batting practice. 

“He impressed me, actually,” Merced College head coach Jason Ingraham said. “I watched a few of his warm ups and watched him get set up. and it was like, ‘Oh, here we go, man.’ He started laying out some line drives. He’s what we called a line-to-line hitter.” 

The Congressional Baseball Game is serious business and some congress members have been practicing three times per week for the past month, according to Gray.

“Bragging rights are on the line and I think the Republicans have won the last three or four years,” Gray said.

Gray said during his campaign this past election he would send videos of him hitting home runs in softball, telling his fellow Democrats that they needed to endorse him so he could join the team if he was elected to Congress. Soon after Gray defeated incumbent John Duarte in November, his fellow members told him he had to play in the game. 

Gray says he’s been working out at third base and shortstop and may be asked to try pitching as well. 

How does Gray rate his glove work on defense? 

“In the context of Congress, pretty good,” Gray said. “In the context of the (Merced College players), I don’t know, I’ve probably got some room to grow.” 

When it came time to hit, Gray strapped on two batting gloves and went to work. He didn’t miss many pitches. 

“My favorite baseball player is Will Clark, but I’m not a lefty and my swing isn’t that sweet,” Gray said. 

The round of batting practice did have Gray breathing heavy. 

“I’m not 25 anymore,” he joked. 

Gray will wear a Merced College baseball jersey during Congressional Baseball Game with the No. 13, representing his district.

Gray attended Merced College in 1998 and 1999 after graduating from Golden Valley High School in Merced. Gray said he played baseball through junior high before focusing on basketball and water polo in high school. 

Gray threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Merced College’s baseball game against Reedley College on Friday afternoon. He also participated in the Butch Hughes Scholarship reception on Friday. 

“I went to Merced College and Merced College has a special place in my heart and in my story,” Gray said. “The opportunities I’ve had in life, being in legislature and to serve our community, a lot of that started right here. The baseball program out here has always been legendary with a lot of great players.”