Longjohn Goes Long, Leads Dems To 13-10 Win

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/13/2026) (EAST LANSING) – Rep. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) hit a grand slam and Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) went 5-for-5 at the plate to lead the Democrats to their first Legislative Softball Game win in four years.

Longjohn's big fly in the fifth inning put the Democrats up for good. After that, strong defensive plays by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) helped the Democrats stymie the Republicans in the sixth and the seventh inning. Wooden had two defensive put-outs with the bases loaded.

“Senate District 35 wasn't the only major swing this cycle,” said Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), the Democrats' coach.

The Democrats also overcame a pair of injuries. House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) twisted an ankle and Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) struggled with wrist pain, requiring both of the Democrats' coaches – Farhat and Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) – to play the field.

“We made a lot of unforced errors," said Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare), the Republicans' coach. “What do you do? They scored more runs.”

Republicans had won the last three legislative softball games.

Quipped Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), “Who says Republicans don't have soft hearts? We felt bad for the D's. We let them win.”

Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay) hit a three-run inside-the-park home run to spur the Republicans' offense.

Wednesday night’s 4th Annual Legislative Softball Game at Secchia Stadium benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing.

Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) sang the national anthem and Rep. Timothy Beson (R-Bay City) took care of the tailgating food with barbecued brisket in the parking lot.