While Republican lawmakers were stretching before the big baseball game against their Democratic opponents, they received batting tips from an MLB icon — Steve Garvey.

Garvey, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres between the late 1960s and ’80s, wasn’t just there to give baseball tips — Garvey is the GOP candidate making a run to fill the late Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat.

There hasn’t been a GOP senator to serve California since 1992, but after Garvey beat out several Democratic challengers in the state’s jungle primary in March, he’s determined to continue to build momentum.

“We’re very proud of California for stepping up. It’s a very narrow path,” Garvey said during an interview at Nationals Stadium with Fox News. “I think we’ve run a very good race. We’ve got a great team. We built momentum.”

Garvey’s visit to Washington was a chance for the Senate hopeful to network with lawmakers. Garvey’s campaign is aligned with many GOP interests, calling for a stronger border, stricter punishments on criminal activity, and finding a way to lower the cost of living. 

“We’re messaging common sense and compassion and consensus building,” Garvey told the outlet. “And, especially in California, people are tired of the economy. They’re tired of crime in the streets. The border issue is just horrendous now.”

In April, San Diego became the No. 1 port of entry for immigrants. Illegal immigration is a top priority of Garvey, as it “has a direct influence on men and women in California.”

“We need to get back to law and order on our borders,” Garvey added.

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House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was shot in 2017 during a practice session for the annual game, credited Garvey during the 2024 game for helping the Republican lawmakers prepare.

Garvey will face off against Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the November election.