From outfielder to 'your excellency'

A former outfielder for the Chicago White Sox is all lined up for the diplomatic field.

Mark Gilbert, who played seven games in July 1985, became the first former major leaguer to be confirmed as a US ambassador when the Senate approved his nomination to New Zealand and Samoa by voice vote on Friday.

Gilbert hit .273, scored three runs and drove in three, and started alongside future Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Carlton Fisk with the White Sox.