Who would win race for “Commissioner of National Pastimes”?

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A polling location at Fields Market in Canoga Park on Tuesday offered voters a demonstration ballot that listed pretend candidates running for a fake positions. The ballot served as a helpful tool to show voters what a ballot looks like before actually voting, according to poll inspector Lillian Berwager.

Among the positions was “Commissioner of National Pastimes.” The candidates included Jim Thorpe, Bill Russell, Joe DiMaggio and Peggy Fleming.

We decided to size up their political prospects.

Jim Thorpe

One of the most versatile athletes ever, Thorpe won Olympic gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon and played professional football, basketball and baseball. On the campaign, he’d likely have to answer questions about the Amateur Athletic Union withdrawing his amateur status, which caused the International Olympic Committee to strip him of his medals.

Bill Russell

The former Boston Celtics center (1956-69) is considered to be one of the best defenders in NBA history. But he could have been hurt by a backlash from conservatives because of his views on race. Russell also supported Muhammad Ali’s decision to refuse to be drafted during the Vietnam War.

Joe DiMaggio

The former center fielder for the New York Yankees (1936-42; 1946-51) demonstrated his consistency with 13-All-Star Game appearances and a fabled 56-game hitting streak. He also had a military background, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and rising to the rank of sergeant.

Peggy Fleming

The figure skater won a gold medal in 1986, skated for four U.S. presidents and performed at the 1986 rededication of the Statue of Liberty. On the campaign trail, Fleming would likely share her inspiring story of how she survived breast cancer 10 years ago.

-- Mark Medina