Mark Gilbert

Mark David Gilbert (born August 22, 1956) is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who has been confirmed to serve as the United States ambassador to New Zealand. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1985.

In 2013, United States President Barack Obama nominated Gilbert to be United States ambassador to New Zealand. The U.S. Senate confirmed Gilbert on December 12, 2014.

Early life and education

Gilbert was born to a Jewish family in Pennsylvania. Gilbert earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida State University.

Baseball career

In 1978, he signed with the Chicago Cubs. He was promoted from the Chicago White Sox's Triple-A farm club in Buffalo in July 1985, and he went on to play seven games for the team. His first at-bat was against Jamie Easterly, and he had six hits, one of which was for extra bases off Dennis Martinez. After a week with the Sox, Gilbert was sent back to the minor leagues. The following year, he left baseball and had knee surgery in February 1986.