Alabama and Mississippi lawmakers will face off again on Wednesday in a friendly — but fiercely competitive — charity softball game aimed at supporting Children’s of Alabama hospital and strengthening camaraderie across state lines.

The matchup is set for Wednesday night, April 24, at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium, with pre-game events beginning at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch at 6 p.m. 

The game follows last year’s inaugural showdown in Jackson, Mississippi, which Mississippi Speaker Pro Tem Manly Barton described as a “great time” despite the “barn murder heat.” This time, Alabama legislators are playing host — and they’re determined to match Mississippi’s hospitality.

“Last year, we went to Jackson,” said Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) during an interview Monday on The Jeff Poor Show. “That’s been our number one focus to make sure we are relaying that just as they did.”

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Beyond the legislative rivalry, the game supports a serious cause. A young cancer survivor who received treatment at Children’s of Alabama will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

This year’s event builds on momentum from last summer, which came together on short notice but left both delegations wanting more. According to Stadthagen, Alabama lawmakers have been looking forward to this game since last summer.

The teams will feature a mix of House and Senate members from both states, and Alabama’s players are hoping to keep the custom-made championship belt they earned in extra innings last year.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].