Obama surprises staffers by attending opposition’s Baseball Game

US President Barack Obama gave Congressional staffers a thrill on Thursday evening, when he paid a surprise visit to their annual Congressional Baseball Game.

The president watched from the sidelines as Democratic and Republican lawmakers faced off at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., with thousands in attendance.

Democrats were up 2-1 at the time of his arrival.

As Obama received enthusiastic cheers from his own party, Republican staffers reportedly chanted “TPA!” in reference to the Trade Promotion Authority, a contentious bill expected to go up for a vote on Friday.

Nevertheless, Obama greeted members of both teams, shaking hands and posing for photographs, before making an early exit. Among the attendees was House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi.

The annual Congressional Baseball Game dates back to 1909.