WASHINGTON -- A Republican congressman has asked President Donald Trump to attend the annual congressional baseball game Thursday night at Nationals Park.

Texas Rep. Roger Williams, who is coaching the Republican team, told The Associated Press that, "I asked him to come, I guess it was last week, I was over at the Oval Office.'' When asked how the president responded, Williams replied, "He said, 'I'll be there.'''

A spokeswoman later said the meeting was May 21. Williams added that he doesn’t know if the president will attend.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Williams said that he will also honor former University of Texas Coach Augie Garrido at Thursday’s game.

 

 

"Augie’s passing was a great loss not only to the baseball community, but to our nation as a whole. His love for the game was evident through his everyday actions – whether it was leading two different schools to bring home the national title, or being only one of three coaches to win five or more NCAA titles – Augie impacted and inspired players and Americans alike. In an effort to honor my good friend’s legacy, I will be wearing a University of Texas baseball jersey with his number, #16, on the back. If you play the game or just love to watch, it is up to us to keep his legacy alive; this one’s for you, Augie."

Thursday is the one-year anniversary of the shooting rampage at a GOP practice in which House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and others were wounded. Scalise sustained life-threatening injuries but returned to work last fall. He is expected to start at second base in the annual game.

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Thursday is also Trump's 72nd birthday.