GAME-CHANGERS

Top 10 American sportsmen who have taken their talents to the political arena

Top 10 American sportsmen who have taken their talents to the political arena
Schwarzenegger famously became the Governor of California. Photo via: Wiki Commons.

Happy Election Day Houston. Regardless of which Presidential candidate comes away victorious, millions of Americans hope that 2020 will be the last year sports and politics clash. Here are the top 10 American sportsmen who have taken their talents to the political world.

1. Jesse Ventura (Ind)- Famed wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura served as Minnesota's governor from 1999 to 2003.

2. Frank White (D)- White had an illustrious 18 year career with the Kansas City Royals that included five trips to the All-Star Game and a World Series ring. He served as a member of the Jackson County (Missouri) Legislature from 2014 to 2016. He has since become a county executive.

3. Walter Johnson (R)- The Hall of Fame fireballer pitched three Triple Crown (strikeout, wins, ERA) seasons during his illustrious 20-year career in MLB. After his award-winning trip to Cooperstown, "The Big Train" took a chance in the political world and served as commissioner of Montgomery County, Maryland.

4. Jack Mildren (D)- The former Oklahoma and New England Patriots quarterback served as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma from 1991 until 1995.

5. Tom McMillen (D)- McMillen played basketball for the University of Maryland and went on to the NBA for the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Bullets. Following his NBA career, he became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 4th district from 1987 to 1993.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)- The three-time Mr. Universe and seven-time Mr. Olympia served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

7. Corey Booker (D)- Booker caught one touchdown pass in three years of playing tight end at Stanford. Booker claims that being cut his senior year helped craft his political career leading to becoming a US senator from New Jersey.

8. Anthony Gonzalez (R)- The 2007 1st round NFL pick out of Ohio State played five years at wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He has been serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 16th district since last year.

9. Kevin Johnson (D)- Johnson played in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns from 1987 to 2000. He completed his B.A. in political science from Cal Berkeley after retiring, and went on to serve as Mayor of Sacramento from 2008 to 2016.

10. Colin Allred (D)- After a standout career at Baylor University, Allred played linebacker in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans from 2006-2010. Since 2019, Allred has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas 32nd district.

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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