<P> In 1917, Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana tossed out the first pitch and kept score, becoming the first woman to participate in the annual event . More than 70 years later, in 1993, Representatives Ileana Ros - Lehtinen of Florida, Maria Cantwell of Washington, and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas became the first women to break into the starting lineup . </P> <P> In 1971, the first African Americans joined the game . Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy of the District of Columbia and Rep. Ronald Dellums of California joined the Democratic roster . Despite Fauntroy's hitting prowess, the Democrats lost their eighth straight annual game, 7--3 . </P> <P> In 1909, Rep. Joseph F. O'Connell of Massachusetts hit the first home run, gaining three runs for the Democrats . In the same year, Republican Rep. Edward B. Vreeland of New York was the first player to be withdrawn due to an injury . In 1957, Rep. Gerald Ford of Michigan hit the first known grand slam, while playing for the Republicans . In 1979, Republican Rep. Ron Paul of Texas hit what was believed to be (at that time) the first home run hit over the fence . Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois is the only other player to hit an out - of - the - park home run, doing so in 1997 . Paul was inducted into the Congressional Baseball Hall of Fame prior to the 2012 game . </P> <Dl> <Dd> For a brief description of each of the 1993--2011 inductees, see footnote . </Dd> </Dl>

Has anyone ever hit a homerun in the congressional baseball game