EMERSON, CONGRESS PLAY BALL FOR CHARITY

In politics, you don't always have to play hardball. But it doesn't hurt if you can field your position.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson started at second base in Tuesday's charity baseball game between congressional Democrats and Republicans.

The Republicans beat the Democrats 10-9 in Congress' 36th annual charity baseball game. The game was played at Prince George's Stadium in Maryland.

Last year's game raised $45,000 for charity. This year's tally wasn't immediately known.

The Republican team had the only two women to play in the game. The other woman was Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, who reached first base when she was hit by a pitch.

Emerson played only one inning. There were plenty of substitutions in the game, the Cape Girardeau Republican said Wednesday.

Rep. Steve Largent of Oklahoma, a former wide receiver in the National Football League, struck out nine in pitching the GOP to victory.

The charity ball game has been played annually since 1962. Republicans lead the series, 23-12.

The Democrats who came up in the first inning all batted left handed. None of them hit the ball to second, Emerson said.

"At least I didn't make any mistakes and it was very fun," said Emerson who wore a Southeast Missouri State University uniform.

During weeks of early morning practice, Emerson suffered two black eyes, and a jammed thumb and finger.

But with a father who once played in the pros, Emerson already knew that baseball can be tougher than political hardball.

"Baseball runs in my blood," said Emerson.

Emerson's father, AB Hermann, played third base for the Boston Braves in the 1920s.

"He had no sons, so I think I -- more than my sister -- became the athlete in the family.

"I actually used to pitch when I was little so it was hard for me to change my throw,' she said.

The Associated Press provided some information for this story.