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The Alabama House of Representatives and State Senate announced on Wednesday that they are partnering with the Montgomery Biscuits to hold a “Battle of Goat Hill” charity softball game benefitting tornado victims throughout the state’s Black Belt region.
A $10 admission is required to attend the game, which is scheduled to take place at Riverwalk Stadium on April 19 at 6 p.m., and all proceeds will be donated to the Black Belt Community Foundation’s recovery efforts for victims of tornadoes that struck Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry and Sumter counties in January.
The game marks the fourth time in recent history that the two chambers have competed in softball with the House winning twice in 2000 and 2008, and the Senate winning twice in 2009 and 2022.
House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen, R – Hartselle, who organized the softball games in 2022 and 2023, said the event gives legislators from both parties and chambers a chance to bond while also helping Alabamians who have suffered significant losses.
“The legislative charity softball game allows lawmakers to set aside our partisan differences, come together in friendly rivalry with the opposing chamber, and raise money for a deserving cause,” Stadthagen said. “The competition between the House and Senate is surprisingly intense, and I know that all of the state representatives from both sides of the aisle are determined to bring the trophy back to the fifth floor of the Alabama State House, where it belongs.”
Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield, R – Guntersville, said the evening offers a brief and enjoyable departure from the pressing issues of the day, but the most important aspect of the event is the fundraising potential for charity.
“All of us who play in the legislative softball game want our chamber to finish on top, but the ultimate winner is the charity that will benefit from our efforts and help those who have lost so much,” Scofield said. “With 105 members compared to our 35 members in the Senate, you would think the House would offer us more competition than they did last year, but after such a blowout, I am confident the softball trophy will remain in its place of honor in the Senate.”
Both leaders noted that State Sen. Garland Gudger, R – Cullman, and State Rep. Craig Lipscomb, R – Gadsden, also played significant roles in coordinating the logistics of the event.
Montgomery Biscuits General Manager Mike Murphy expressed excitement that Riverwalk Stadium will once again host the charity event.
“The core values of the Biscuits are to have fun, be different, and be impactful with everything that we do,” Murphy said. “This event exemplifies each of those values and makes a huge impact across our state.”
