Congresswoman McCollum Praises Former Minnesota Twins Pitcher Bert Blyleven as He Enters Baseball Hall of Fame

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement, regarding Bert Blyleven, former pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, upon his election to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I rise today to recognize former Minnesota Twins pitcher and 2011 inductee into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Mr. Bert Blyleven.

"Mr. Blyleven pitched for twenty-two years at the major league level, including eleven seasons as a member of the Minnesota Twins. During his career, he amassed an astonishing 3,701 strikeouts and used his magnificent curveball to help pitch two teams to World Series victories, including the 1987 Minnesota Twins.

"Since 1996, Bert has been a proud member of the television broadcasting team for the Minnesota Twins and has delighted hometown fans with his color commentary.

"Mr. Blyleven is a mainstay of the Minnesota sports community and his election to the hall of fame is long overdue. He is hereby circled."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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