Let's Play Ball!

A look at sports history in the legislature of Pennsylvania

Eagles Superbowl Celebration (21st Century) by PA House DemocratsPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Sports unites all legislators each session. No matter what political party or affiliation, nothing matches the excitement of your favorite team winning a championship. Memorabilia and photos in our collection demonstrates the pride of all Members.

Olympic Road Trials and National Champtionships Banner (20th Century) by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Tour de' Toona

The International Tour de ‘Toona was an annual bicycle race held in central Pennsylvania. Inspired by the thought of a summertime event to boost tourism and raise money for the Altoona area, Rep. Rick Geist and local officials started a bicycle race.

International Tour De 'Toona Memorabilia 3 by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Starting out as a one-day event, over the years, the race gained in popularity and eventually became the largest professional cycling event in North America.

International Tour De 'Toona Memorabilia 2 by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

In 1992, Altoona was selected as the host for the U.S. Cycling Olympic Road Trials and National Championships. The region was selected due to its similar terrain and climate to Barcelona, Spain where the 1992 Summer Olympics were held.

Marcia Hahn Citation to Special Olympics (21st Century) by Representative Marcia HahnPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Special Olympians

The Special Olympics celebrates athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities by providing year round sports training and events. Pennsylvania's first athletes participated back in 1969.
Here is Representative Marcia Hahn with members of the USA Special Olympics Team.

Lynn Herman with Special Olympians 3 (20th Century) by Representative Lynn HermanPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Members often host events in their districts. Here is Representative Lynn Herman with Special Olympians in his district.

Women's Softball Uniform (20th Century) by Dawn ReesePennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Women's softball uniform from the bipartisan softball team in the 1970s and 1980s.

Urbs vs. Burbs Game Urbs vs. Burbs Game Teams (20th Century) by Representative Dwight EvansPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Urbs vs. Burbs

Urban versus Suburban Legislators ca. 1985

All Stars Memorabilia, Capitol All-Stars, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Beginning in 2012, the Pennsylvania Legislative Services hosted a series of softball games in which Pennsylvania Representatives and Senators competed on teams divided by East and West — later to be named “Yinz” vs. “Youse.”  The games raised money for Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem-Center High School Football (21st Century) by Representative H. William DeWeesePennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Memorabilia

Objects collected by House Members that honor sports teams and sports events in their districts

Autographed Football, Bethlehem-Center High School, 2009      

Williams Valley High School Softball (21st Century) by Representative Michael TobashPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Autographed Softball, Williams Valley High School Softball Team, 2019 State Champions                                                                          

Bowling Medal (21st Century) by Representative Garth EverettPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Strike Out Social Stigma Bowling Medal, 2017

Members attend various district sporting events throughout the year that support larger missions, like "Strike Out Social Stigma".                                

Patricia Vance Golf Outing Memorabilia by David ReddecliffPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Pat Vance Annual Golf Outing Items

Many Members hold golf outings for annual fundraisers.

Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Memorabilia Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Memorabilia (20th Century) by Representative Kevin BlaumPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Program and hockey puck from the Inaugural Season of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins

Lynn Herman Check Award, Representative Lynn Herman, 20th Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Penn State Football Team, Representative Lynn Herman, 20th Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Ryan Howard Resolution 43 of 2007 Page 1 Ryan Howard Resolution 43 of 2007 Page 1, Representative James Roebuck, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Hines Ward House Resolution 741 of 2012, Representative Brian Ellis, 21st Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Governor's Resolution, Representative Lynn Herman, 20th Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
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Hockey Jersey by Representative David MayernikPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Hockey Jersey

Representative David J. Mayernik sponsored over 100 youth hockey players through the creation of the Avonworth Northgate Hockey Association because schools in his district could not afford to fund individual hockey teams.

House of Representative Softball Team (20th Century) by Representative David SweetPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

House of Representatives Softball Team Photograph, 1983-1984

Members of the General Assembly all root for the Pennsylvania team whether that's in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or anywhere in between.         

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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