The House Divided: The Story of the First Congressional Baseball Game by J.B. Manheim is a non-fiction recounting of the 1909 origins of the Congressional Baseball Game (CBG1). The game was organized by John K. Tener, a former baseball player and congressman, who used his connections to bring together Democrats and Republicans for a charity match. This event, held at Boundary Field in Washington, D.C., marked the first official game between lawmakers. Despite delays and disputes over player eligibility, the game was played and raised funds for the Washington Playgrounds Association. The event was attended by prominent political figures and drew significant public interest. Manheim also covers the development of baseball in Washington, the local team's challenges, and the cultural significance of the game, which became a long-standing bipartisan tradition.

J.B. Manheim's The House Divided is a supremely interesting and well-researched deep dive into a unique chapter in American history. As a non-American reader who knows very little about baseball or the American political machine, I was surprised at how comfortably I was able to round out the knowledge bases with both, which is a clear testament to Manheim's skill as a writer. The style is crisp and straightforward without feeling formulaic or, worse, like an encyclopedia. Instead, Manheim's deep immersion into the era and the game’s cultural significance add richness and excitement to it, so it is both informative and enjoyable. The book shines in its portrayal of how sports can bring people together across divides—something we desperately need today. For those interested in the molding of politics, culture, and sports, Manheim serves up an intelligent and thoughtful read, presenting a fresh look at an event that continues to thrive in the great American tradition. Recommended.

The House Divided by J.B. Manheim recounts the first Congressional Baseball Game in 1909, a lighthearted sporting event born from a tense and politically fraught summer on Capitol Hill. With meticulous research and a narrative that blends political analysis with cultural commentary, Manheim revisits a time when partisan conflict, legislative gridlock, and oppressive summer heat drove members of Congress to seek a momentary release—on a baseball field. Manheim explores how the Congressional Baseball Game served as a pressure valve during an intense political battle over tariffs, reform, and power struggles led by towering figures such as Speaker Joseph Cannon and President William Taft. Through the lens of this unlikely event, Manheim maps a broader story of power, ambition, and calculated distraction, portraying baseball not only as America’s pastime but also as a deliberate political maneuver.

Central to the narrative is Congressman John Tener, a former professional baseball player whose involvement in the sport and the politics of the day links the worlds of athletic camaraderie and legislative gamesmanship. J.B. Manheim’s writing is detailed, often playful, but rooted in well-documented history. The narrative structure alternates between policy timelines and character portraits, giving readers a glimpse into the larger political landscape and the individual actors involved. Including figures such as lobbyists, journalists, and baseball club owners highlights the interconnection of sports, media, and government. Also included are numerous pictures and illustrations that capture the essence of the era. Readers interested in U.S. political history, early 20th-century Americana, or baseball as social commentary will find the book informative and engaging. The House Divided presents a unique slice of history that shows how even a ballgame can reflect, and perhaps influence, the workings of a divided government.