A former outfielder for the Chicago White Sox has been confirmed as the first Major League Baseball player to become a U.S. ambassador.
Mark Gilbert is the new ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. The Senate approved his nomination by voice vote on Friday.
Gilbert played seven games for the White Sox in July 1985. He hit .273 for the team managed by future Hall of Famer Tony La Russa.
The 58-year-old Gilbert was nominated by President Barack Obama in October 2013.
Cal Ripken Jr. is among the many ex-big leaguers who have served the U.S. State Department in various diplomatic roles, such as goodwill ambassadors and sports envoys.
