Warner kibitzes as Tides roll

This just in from Shad Plank special correspondent Jim Hodges:

Mark Warner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, spent Wednesday night at Harbor Park in Norfolk, watching the Tides beat the Richmond Braves 8-4.

Warner said he spent the day in political meetings (read: fundraising) in Hampton Roads, then headed for the park to spend time in the press box, including an inning on the air with Tides broadcaster Bob Sossa.  The rest of the game was spent in a private box with Norfolk city councilman Randy Wright.

Sossa, alerted earlier in the day, came prepared, querying Warner on plans to run for the White House (Warner had pondered it, then opted against it because of the wear and tear on his family -- he said), on International League Baseball leaving Richmond after this season (Warner has a hard time believing it can happen) and on sports and politics. (Warner: "Like in baseball, it takes teamwork to run for office, and it takes teamwork while in office to be effective."

Prior to going on the air, Warner loitered, talking with people in the press box while the Tides -- a notoriously weak offensive team -- scored six times in the first inning. "Maybe I should come every night," Warner quipped.

Warned that Richmond people vote, too, he smiled and added, "Don't tell the people in Richmond I said that."

Warner does have a knack for attracting attention. Or maybe it's his personal magnetism.

In the sixth inning or so, a foul ball was hit at the box where Warner was seated. He tried to make the catch (he didn't), but when he stood up everyone in the ballpark looked up and saw Mark Warner standing above them, arms outstretched.

He got a round of applause.