In a surprising turn of events, former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira announced his candidacy for the Texas House on Thursday, aiming to clinch the seat currently held by GOP Representative Chip Roy who is stepping down to run for Texas attorney general. Teixeira, a celebrated athlete, is stepping up to the political plate as a Republican in a district that has historically leaned heavily red.

As a player, Teixeira made his mark with 409 home runs over a glittering 14-season career, including stints with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees. His transition from sports to politics mirrors a growing trend of athletes entering the political arena. On his campaign trail, Teixeira is batting for President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, promising to defend Texas families and uphold individual liberty.

Teixeira’s announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed his deep-rooted conservative values and his readiness to contribute to the team in a new arena: “As a lifelong conservative who loves this country, I’m running for Congress to fight for the principles that make Texas and America great,” he stated.

The former Yankee, who played a pivotal role in their 2009 World Series victory, brings a competitive edge to the political field. His campaign website emphasizes that he plans to bring the same determination and spirit of preparation to serving Texas that he did to baseball.

His candidacy could also add a new dynamic to the Congressional Baseball Game, an annual charity event where Democrats face off against Republicans. The Republicans have enjoyed recent success in these games, and adding a former MLB player to their lineup could further solidify their dominance.

As the campaign progresses, Teixeira will likely lean on his sports fame and conservative platform to appeal to voters in the district. His entry into politics underscores the often-blurred lines between sports, celebrity, and political power, highlighting a unique American narrative where the fields of play—both in stadiums and political arenas—are closely intertwined.