While we often disagreed in our service as Justices, Antonin Scalia was a good friend of mine and his passing has left a hole in the Supreme Court of the United States. Even worse, his passing has left a hole at shortstop for our SCOTUS Softball Team. Today I plead to the Democrats in Congress: we need a replacement for Antonin Scalia or we will not be able to compete in this year’s softball league.

I understand the frustration after the Republicans blocked Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland for an unprecedented amount of time. Trust me, I am frustrated that I will not be joined by Judge Garland on the bench and his incredible throwing arm on the field.

But when it comes down to it, even though the Republicans played the role of obstructionist and prevented Judge Garland—a fine judge and an even finer shortstop—from joining the Supreme Court, what is most important is that the gap left by Scalia’s passing is filled before the softball season starts.

It is time for the Senate to conduct a hearing for President Trump’s nominee, Neil Gorsuch. I hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee is sure to ask pertinent questions about the nominee’s philosophy, as well as to carefully examine his skills, both on offense and defense. Due to the nature of a lifetime appointment, it is imperative that we get a justice who can not only add something defensively, but can also get some wood on the ball and drive in some runs.

The Supreme Court of the United States is one of the pillars of the United States federal government, and without another justice, our infield is going to be straight shit. Garland would have been a great addition, but to refuse to hold hearings for Neil Gorsuch would undermine not only the judiciary, but also our whole season.