![\"steve](\"https:\/\/imagez.tmz.com\/image\/7d\/4by3\/2023\/10\/10\/7dcd727ce0ce4412a9ebc062184f7bd1_md.jpg\")
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Former L.A. Dodgers star Steve Garvey<\/strong> is swinging for the fences in a whole different field — the World Series champ officially announced he’s running for U.S. Senate in California.<\/p>\n The 10-time All-Star and National League MVP launched his campaign with a number of sports references on Tuesday … saying, “In baseball, it’s not about the individual; it’s about the team.”<\/p>\n “I believe the same holds true for politics. It’s time we come together, find common ground, and work towards a brighter future.”<\/p>\n 74-year-old Garvey — who is a newbie to politics — explains he has always had a passion for leaving an impact on the community … and has used his platform to help numerous charitable efforts off the field. Now, he’s ready to bring his state back to where he feels it should be.<\/p>\n \u201cOver 50 years ago, I came to California for the first time … September 1st of 1969, the Dodgers called me up and my dreams came true,” Garvey says.<\/p>\n “Over the next 20 years, I played for the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. I played in front of millions of fans. I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents.”<\/p>\n “I played for all of you. Now I’m running for the U.S. Senate in California. A state that I believe at one time was the heartbeat of America. And now it’s just a murmur.”<\/p>\n Garvey — who is running as a Republican — is calling his run a “common sense campaign” … focusing on quality-of-life issues, public safety and education as he attempts to take over for Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last month.<\/p>\n It’s not going to be easy for Garvey — California hasn’t elected a Republican to a Senate seat since the ’80s — but he seems down for the challenge.<\/p>\n![\"steve](\"https:\/\/imagez.tmz.com\/image\/38\/4by3\/2023\/10\/10\/388e990024304882bd838e76e1c068b5_md.jpg\")
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