SANTA ANA, Calif. — He's one of the greatest baseball players ever to play America's pastime. Now, at age 78, former Minnesota Twins star Rod Carew is officially an American citizen.
The legendary baseball Hall of Famer took the Oath of Allegiance on Friday from the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) San Diego District on Friday, with nearly two dozen family, friends and former teammates in attendance.
Like all naturalized citizens, Carew will now be able to vote in U.S. elections.
"When I see the things that are happening today in the country that I've grown to love, it bothers me," Carew said. "Now that I'm an American citizen, I hope that I can help in some way to alleviate the problems that we have in the different communities, and especially with kids."
Carew was born in Panama and moved to the United States as a teenager, before going on to become one of the most prolific hitters ever in the major leagues. He debuted with the Twins in 1967 and went on to win seven American League batting championships in Minnesota. He finished his career with the California Angels.
According to the USCIS, in order to become a U.S. citizen, an immigrant must meet the qualifications of naturalization, demonstrate good moral character and pass a civics test. In addition to voting, citizens also may travel with a U.S. passport, run for elected office, and serve on a jury.
