"Through the shadows looming over RFK Stadium, visitors could envision the crack of Frank Howard's bat bombing homers in left field, almost hear chatter from "Boy Manager" Bucky Harris and watch Virgil Goode snare balls off the freshly cut outfield grass.

Yes, Virgil H. Goode Jr., the U.S. congressman.

Rep. Goode, R-Rocky Mount, would never compare himself to the baseball heroes of Washington's past, but for one summer night he and his GOP colleagues proved they could play political hardball with the best of them.

Sporting a red, pinstriped Martinsville Baseball Association jersey and a mitt purchased in 1964, Goode shagged balls in right field Thursday before the 44th annual congressional baseball game, featuring a fierce rivalry between Republicans and Democrats.

"It's a thrill just to be out here," said Goode, who played baseball at Franklin County High School. "It's like a fantasy camp." The sheer passion that runs through the Republican's red veins has led Goode to sweat just as much on the field as he does on the floor of Congress.

He is well-known on Capitol Hill for being the first player to arrive at practices and the last one to leave, or, as one misty morning revealed, the only one to show up.

Goode was unsure if weather had canceled a practice earlier this su mer but he still headed to the field as the sun rose to check things out.

"I was in the area, so I went on down there," he chuckled.

Goode's coaches had high praises for the left-handed hitter Thursday night.

"He can play and handle the outfield," said the Republican team manager, Rep. Michael G. Oxley from Ohio, adding that Goode is "one of our most loyal members."

The 5th District representative, who simply hoped to get in the game, was disappointed in the top of the fourth inning when the opposing pitcher wouldn't give him anything to hit.

He walked, stole second and eventually made it home on a teammate's single.

Goode's run was only a small contribution to the Republican onslaught.

The Democrats, managed by Rep. Martin Sabo from Minnesota, had a few chances at a comeback, motivated by a coalition of fans chanting "Ensign" while Sen. John Ensign from Nevada took the mound.

"You gotta tune them out," Ensign said.

More than 5,500 fans showed up at RFK, including House Majority Leader Tom Delay, RTexas. "It's always fun to watch baseball in slow motion," he joked.

The game's proceeds went to the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. It ended with a final score of 19-11.

The win marked a fifth consecutive victory for the Republicans, allowing the GOP to secure three branches of government - the presidency, Congress and the baseball field."" (Annie Johnson, The Daily Progress, June 25, 2005)

Contact Annie Johnson at (434) 978-7237 or ajohnson@ dailyprogress.com.