East Michigan News

The second annual Legislative Softball Game for Charity successfully raised $34,000 for Ele’s Place, an organization dedicated to aiding grieving children through various services such as peer-to-peer support groups and bereavement counseling.

Reps. Tom Kunse, R-Clare, and Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn, organized the game held at Jackson Stadium in Lansing, home of the Lansing Lugnuts. The event saw participation from lawmakers, lobbyists, and media members.

The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by 10-year-old Patch Baldwin, who received support from Ele’s Place after losing his father at age three. “It was great to see everyone come together and support Ele’s Place,” Kunse said. “This organization does fantastic work in supporting our young people. Our donations will go a long way in aiding those efforts.”

In the game itself, Republicans secured a decisive 11-2 victory over Democrats. The Republicans took an early lead with back-to-back home runs from Reps. Graham Filler and Joe Aragona in the first inning. They concluded the game with 15 hits from 27 batters.

The Democrats' two runs came in the third inning, initiated by Rep. Samantha Steckloff's RBI single that brought in their first run. Rep. Jason Morgan scored the final run for the Democrats after Steckloff left play due to a collision at first base.

“Being in the minority, we don’t get opportunities for victories very often,” Kunse remarked. “But it sure is a great feeling to beat the weather and win against Democrats, all in the same evening.”

Planning will soon commence for the third annual Legislative Softball Game for Charity scheduled for Spring 2025.

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