Magglio Ordonez, Former Chicago White Sox And Detroit Tigers Star, Elected Mayor In Venezuelan City Of Sotillo

Last making an appearance in a Major League Baseball game in September of 2011, former Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox star Magglio Ordóñez left professional baseball as one of the most successful Venezuelan-born players in the long and decorated history of the game. Retiring with a career average of .309 along with a total of 2,156 hits, 294 home runs and 1,236 RBI, the now 39-year-old Caracas, Venezuela native certainly left his mark in the MLB. Stepping away from the game with the second-most home runs by a Venezuelan player - behind only Andres Galaragga - Ordóñez will be remembered for his consistent hustle and strong passion for the game.

Though baseball is now in the rearview mirror, Ordóñez didn't take long to become involved in another high-profile field. According to multiple sources, the six-time All-Star outfielder and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner has been elected as the socialist mayor in the Venezuelan city of Sotillo. Running on the socialist ticket of President Nicolás Maduro, Ordóñez grew into a major supporter for the president, who took over office in April after former President Hugo Chávez passed away in March.

A member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, Ordóñez is one of the more recognizable supporters of the Venezuelan President and he will now have the opportunity to serve alongside Maduro as mayor of Sotillo, a city that holds over 250,000 people. Nicolás Maduro has been known to seek support from celebrity candidates since he believes a show of backing from known and beloved figures will help improve his image, with many people becoming upset with certain economic policies he's implemented since taking office nine months ago.

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