"José Canseco Capas Jr. is a Cuban-American retired professional baseball player known for his powerful hitting. He played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, achieving significant success with the Oakland Athletics, where he was a key player in their World Series victory in 1989. Canseco's accolades include the Rookie of the Year Award (1986), the Most Valuable Player Award (1988), and six All-Star selections. He also won a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 2000."
1947: Reaching 750 RBIs
On April 25, 1993, Canseco became the first player since Ted Williams in 1947 to reach 750 RBIs in less than 1,000 games played.
1959: Fidel Castro's Rise to Power Impacts the Canseco Family
Fidel Castro's rise to power in Cuba in 1959 had a significant impact on the Canseco family. José Canseco Sr. lost his job and eventually his home.
July 2, 1964: Birth of José Canseco
José Canseco Capas Jr., a Cuban-American former professional baseball player, was born on July 2, 1964.
1974: Oakland Athletics' First World Series Win Since 1974
In 1989, the Oakland Athletics, with the help of a recently returned Jose Canseco, won their first World Series since 1974.
1982: Drafted by the Oakland Athletics
Canseco's professional baseball journey began in 1982 when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 15th round.
1982: Started professional career
Jose Canseco began his professional baseball career in 1982.
1985: Major League Debut
Canseco made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics on September 2, 1985, after a successful stint in the minor leagues.
1985: "Parkway José" in Huntsville
During the 1985 season with the Huntsville Stars, Canseco earned the nickname "Parkway José" for his impressive home runs that often landed near the Memorial Parkway behind Joe Davis Stadium.
1986: A's Success and Accolades
Between 1986 and 1992, Canseco achieved significant success with the A's, including winning Rookie of the Year, two home run titles, an MVP award, and a World Series ring. He was also selected to five All-Star games during this period.
1986: American League Rookie of the Year
Canseco had a successful first full season in Major League Baseball, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award.
1986: American League Rookie of the Year
Canseco lived up to the expectations and won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1986, solidifying his position as a rising star.
1986: Improved Performance Compared to Rookie Season
Canseco showcased his growing consistency by improving his batting average from his rookie year in 1986 to .257 in the 1987 season.
1987: The Bash Brothers Unite
The arrival of Mark McGwire to the Oakland Athletics in 1987 marked the beginning of the "Bash Brothers" era. Canseco and McGwire formed a formidable offensive duo that would become legendary in baseball history.
1988: Most Valuable Player Award
Canseco had a historic season in 1988, becoming the first MLB player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, earning him the Most Valuable Player award.
1988: The 40-40 Club
In 1988, Jose Canseco began his season by hitting a home run on opening day and stealing his first base of the season shortly after. By the All-Star break, he had 24 home runs and 22 stolen bases, solidifying his position as one of the league's best players. On September 18th, he hit his 40th home run, and only five days later, he stole his 40th base, becoming the first player in MLB history to join the 40-40 club.
1988: First 40-40 Season in MLB History
In 1988, José Canseco achieved a rare feat by becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season.
1988: Canseco's Postseason Struggles
In the 1988 World Series, Canseco struggled against pitcher Orel Hershiser. This continued into the 1995 ALDS, where he went 0-for-11 with 3 strikeouts against him in three postseason matchups.
February 10, 1989: Reckless Driving Arrest
Jose Canseco was arrested in Florida on February 10, 1989, for reckless driving after allegedly evading a police officer in a chase. He received a $500 fine after being found guilty.
April 11, 1989: Firearm Possession Arrest
On April 11, 1989, Jose Canseco was arrested in California for carrying a loaded firearm in his vehicle. He was released on bail and eventually pleaded no contest to the charges.
1989: World Series Champion with the Oakland Athletics
Canseco won his first World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
1989: All-Star and World Series Champ Despite Injury
In 1989, Jose Canseco missed the first half of the season due to a broken wrist, but his popularity earned him a spot on the All-Star team. He returned mid-season to help his team, the Oakland Athletics, win their first World Series since 1974.
1989: 1989 World Series Championship
The Oakland Athletics, including Jose Canseco, won the 1989 World Series.
1990: A's Championship Loss
After winning the ALCS in 1990, the A's lost in the ALCS to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. This would be their last playoff series win until 2006.
1990: Silver Slugger Award as an Outfielder
Canseco's exceptional hitting earned him the Silver Slugger Award as an American League outfielder in 1990.
1990: Canseco's Home Run Prowess
Despite missing many games due to injuries, Canseco hit 303 home runs in 1,145 games by the end of 1999. He consistently ranked among the top home run hitters in the American League during the 1990s.
1990: Record Contract and Back Problems
Despite missing several games due to a back injury, Canseco signed a record-breaking $23.5 million dollar contract in 1990, making him the highest-paid player in the MLB. He continued to play through injury and helped his team reach the World Series for a third time, but they were ultimately defeated.
1991: All-Star Snub and Resurgence
In 1991, Canseco had a strong season, leading the league in home runs at the All-Star break. Despite this, he was not selected for the All-Star game, even by his own manager. He finished the season with a .266 batting average, 44 home runs, and 122 RBIs. Despite his strong performance, the Athletics missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.
1991: Silver Slugger Award as an Outfielder
Canseco won his second consecutive and third overall Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder in the American League in 1991.
February 13, 1992: Aggravated Battery Charge
On February 13, 1992, Jose Canseco faced charges of aggravated battery for ramming his car into a vehicle driven by his then-wife, Esther Canseco, following an argument.
March 19, 1992: Not Guilty Plea and Counseling
On March 19, 1992, Jose Canseco entered a plea of not guilty to charges of aggravated assault. He later participated in counseling and completed a community service requirement as part of the case resolution.
August 31, 1992: Traded to the Texas Rangers
On August 31, 1992, the Oakland Athletics traded Canseco to the Texas Rangers. This unexpected move shocked Canseco, fans, and the baseball world. Canseco had been a dominant power hitter for the A's, leading the league in home runs since his debut. Despite the trade, he still managed to hit 26 home runs and have 87 RBIs for the season.
1992: All-Star Selection and Injury
In 1992, Canseco was voted to start in his fourth All-Star Game in five years, but was unable to play due to a shoulder injury.
May 26, 1993: Head Injury and Pitching Debut
On May 26, 1993, during a game against the Cleveland Indians, Canseco was hit in the head by a fly ball. A few days later, he pitched the eighth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox. He injured his arm while pitching and missed the rest of the season.
1994: Canseco as a Designated Hitter
Canseco played the entire 1994 season and all but one game in 1995 as a designated hitter.
1994: Comeback Season
In the strike-shortened 1994 season, Canseco returned to his powerful hitting form. He was among the league leaders in home runs and had a .552 slugging percentage. He was named The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year.
1995: Canseco's Performance with the Red Sox
Despite missing over 120 games in two seasons with Boston, Canseco maintained impressive batting statistics when he was in the lineup, averaging 43 home runs and 134 RBIs per 162 games.
1995: Canseco's time with the Red Sox
In 1995, Canseco had the highest salary of his career at $5.8 million. He hit his 300th career home run and helped the Red Sox win the AL East Division title.
1996: Injury and Trade Request
Canseco had a strong first half of the 1996 season but was sidelined with an injury in July. After returning, he requested a trade from the Red Sox.
1996: Canseco's Performance with the Red Sox
Despite missing over 120 games in two seasons with Boston, Canseco maintained impressive batting statistics when he was in the lineup, averaging 43 home runs and 134 RBIs per 162 games.
January 1997: Return to Oakland and Injury Troubles
Canseco returned to the Oakland Athletics in January 1997. His return boosted ticket sales, but he suffered another back injury that sidelined him for part of the season. He believed the Athletics prevented him from reaching the minimum plate appearances to trigger a contract renewal.
November 1997: Domestic Violence Arrest
Jose Canseco was arrested in November 1997 for domestic violence against his then-wife, Jessica Canseco.
January 1998: Probation and Counseling
In January 1998, Jose Canseco pleaded no contest to charges related to the domestic violence arrest from November 1997. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to undergo counseling.
1998: Played for Toronto Blue Jays
In 1998, Jose Canseco played for the Toronto Blue Jays during his divorce and avoided using performance-enhancing drugs.
1998: Career High in Home Runs and Silver Slugger Award
Canseco had a career-high 46 home runs in 1998 while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. He also earned his fourth Silver Slugger Award that year.
1998: Canseco's Free Agency
Despite hitting a career-high 46 home runs in 1998, Canseco received minimal attention in free agency.
1998: Silver Slugger Award as a Designated Hitter
Canseco's prowess as a hitter continued, as evidenced by his Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter in the American League in 1998.
1999: Canseco's Home Run Prowess
Despite missing many games due to injuries, Canseco hit 303 home runs in 1,145 games by the end of 1999. He consistently ranked among the top home run hitters in the American League during the 1990s.
February 2000: Big League Challenge Home Run Derby Champion
In February 2000, Jose Canseco competed in the MLBPA-organized Big League Challenge home run derby, which took place in Las Vegas at Cashman Field. He emerged victorious against a field of 12 renowned sluggers, including Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mike Piazza, ultimately defeating Rafael Palmeiro in the final round.
2000: World Series Champion with the New York Yankees
Canseco added another World Series title to his name in 2000 while playing for the New York Yankees.
2000: World Series Champion with the New York Yankees
Canseco won his second World Series championship, this time with the New York Yankees, in 2000.
2000: World Series Appearance
Canseco's last game in the majors before joining the White Sox was during the 2000 World Series, where he made a pinch-hitting appearance in Game 4 for the Yankees against the New York Mets.
2000: Return to the Devil Rays, Trade to the Yankees, and Second World Series Title
In 2000, Canseco re-signed with the Devil Rays but a foot injury hampered his performance. He was later claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, marking the third time he was teammates with Roger Clemens. Despite a challenging season, Canseco won his second World Series with the Yankees that year.
2000: Played for New York Yankees
Jose Canseco and Jason Grimsley were teammates on the 2000 New York Yankees.
January 16, 2001: Signing with the Anaheim Angels and Subsequent Release
On January 16, 2001, Canseco signed an incentive-based contract with the Anaheim Angels, but was released during spring training. He later joined the Chicago White Sox, hitting 16 home runs and 49 RBIs in 76 games.
October 2001: Nightclub Altercation
Jose Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, were involved in a physical altercation at a Miami Beach nightclub in October 2001. They faced aggravated battery charges after the fight, which resulted in injuries to two men.
2001: Last MLB season
Jose Canseco last played Major League Baseball in 2001.
May 13, 2002: Retirement from Major League Baseball
On May 13, 2002, after being released by the Montreal Expos and having a brief stint with the Charlotte Knights, Canseco officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
May 2002: Retirement and Tell-All Book
Upon retiring from baseball in May 2002, Jose Canseco made claims of being ostracized by Major League Baseball. He then revealed his plans to write a book exposing secrets of his baseball career, including the widespread use of steroids in the sport.
March 2003: Probation Revoked and House Arrest
In March 2003, Jose Canseco missed a court appearance because he was in California for a custody dispute concerning his child. As a result, the judge revoked his probation and imposed a sentence of two years of house arrest followed by three years of probation.
June 2003: Probation Violation and Jail Sentence
Jose Canseco was arrested at his residence in June 2003 for violating his probation after testing positive for steroids. He was subsequently jailed for a month without the possibility of bail.
2003: Featured in reality-TV special
In 2003, Jose Canseco was featured in the reality-TV special Stripper's Ball: Jenna Jameson with Dennis Rodman and Magic Johnson.
2004: Brief Comeback Attempt with the Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2004, at 39 years old, Canseco attempted a comeback by attending an open tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he was not offered a spot on the team or any of their minor league affiliates.
August 1, 2005: Palmeiro suspended for steroids
On August 1, 2005, Rafael Palmeiro was suspended for 10 days by Major League Baseball after testing positive for steroids, months after denying steroid use during a Congressional hearing.
2005: "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big"
In 2005, Canseco released his tell-all book, "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big," where he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during his MLB career and claimed that a majority of players also used steroids.
2005: Published Juiced
In 2005, Jose Canseco admitted to using steroids and claimed that up to 85% of major league players also took steroids in his book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big.
June 29, 2006: Signing with the San Diego Surf Dawgs
On June 29, 2006, Canseco agreed to a one-year contract with the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the independent Golden Baseball League, which had a strict drug-testing policy in place.
July 5, 2006: Trade to the Long Beach Armada
Canseco's time with the Surf Dawgs was short-lived; he was traded to the Long Beach Armada on July 5, 2006, at his own request, citing "family obligations."
July 31, 2006: Golden Baseball League Home Run Derby Champion
Canseco showcased his power-hitting prowess once again by winning the Golden Baseball League's Home Run Derby on July 31, 2006.
December 13, 2007: Cited in Mitchell Report
On December 13, 2007, Jose Canseco and Jorge Delgado were cited in the Mitchell Report, which investigated the illegal use of steroids in Major League Baseball.
December 20, 2007: Named in Grimsley's affidavit
On December 20, 2007, Jose Canseco was named in Jason Grimsley's unsealed affidavit as a user of steroids.
December 30, 2007: Announced sequel to Juiced
On December 30, 2007, it was announced that Jose Canseco had reached a deal for his sequel to Juiced, titled Vindicated, which hit bookstores by Opening Day 2008.
2007: Hall of Fame votes
In 2007, Jose Canseco received 6 Hall of Fame votes, accounting for 1.1% of the ballots, failing to reach the 5% threshold necessary to stay on the ballot for another year.
May 2008: Foreclosure on Encino Home
In May 2008, Jose Canseco disclosed that he lost his house in Encino, California, to foreclosure. He attributed the financial setback to the high costs of his two divorces, which he estimated to be between $7 million and $8 million each.
May 2008: Fight with Vai Sikahema
In May 2008, Philadelphia sportscaster and former NFL player Vai Sikahema accepted a challenge from Jose Canseco to fight him for $30,000. The fight took place on July 12 in Atlantic City, where Sikahema knocked out Canseco in the first round.
October 10, 2008: Detained at Border for Fertility Drug
On October 10, 2008, immigration authorities detained Jose Canseco at a border crossing in San Diego while he was attempting to bring a fertility drug into the United States from Mexico. He claimed the medication was for hormone replacement therapy, which he needed due to his past steroid use.
November 4, 2008: Guilty Plea and Probation
Jose Canseco pleaded guilty in federal court on November 4, 2008, to charges related to bringing a fertility drug from Mexico. He received a sentence of 12 months of unsupervised probation.
2008: Released Vindicated
In 2008, Jose Canseco released his sequel to Juiced, titled Vindicated, which included information on Alex Rodriguez and Albert Belle.
2008: "Jose Canseco: Last Shot" Documentary
The 2008 A&E documentary "Jose Canseco: Last Shot" followed Canseco's efforts to quit using steroids.
January 24, 2009: Fight with Danny Bonaduce
On January 24, 2009, Jose Canseco fought radio personality and former child actor Danny Bonaduce in Aston Township, Pennsylvania; the three-round match ended in a majority draw.
May 26, 2009: MMA debut at Dream 9
On May 26, 2009, Jose Canseco made his mixed martial arts debut at Dream 9, where he fought Hong-man Choi as part of the Super Hulk Tournament. Canseco lost the fight after slipping and tapping out to Choi's ground and pound.
November 6, 2009: Defeated Todd Poulton
On November 6, 2009, Jose Canseco defeated Todd Poulton in a Celebrity Boxing Federation bout in Springfield, Massachusetts.
January 11, 2010: McGwire admitted to steroids
On January 11, 2010, Mark McGwire publicly admitted to using steroids, a claim initially made by Jose Canseco in his 2005 book.
August 14, 2010: Joining the Laredo Broncos
Canseco returned to professional baseball on August 14, 2010, signing with the Laredo Broncos of the United Baseball League as both a bench coach and designated hitter.
December 2010: Twitter campaign for Mets
As of December 2010, Jose Canseco had launched a Twitter campaign in hopes of getting invited to spring training by Mets GM Sandy Alderson.
2010: Spoke out against PEDs
In 2010, Jose Canseco spoke out against performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), advocating baseball's youth to avoid them and criticizing their overall effectiveness.
March 6, 2011: Contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice
Beginning March 6, 2011, Jose Canseco was a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice.
March 2011: Played with Valley Rays
In March 2011, Jose Canseco played a few games with the Valley Rays in the Pacific Coast Baseball League in Los Angeles.
April 3, 2011: Quit The Celebrity Apprentice
On April 3, 2011, Jose Canseco quit The Celebrity Apprentice citing his father's ailing health. He later announced his father died shortly after he left the show.
April 11, 2011: Player-Manager for the Yuma Scorpions
On April 11, 2011, at 46 years old, Canseco took on the dual role of player-manager for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League.
2011: Played for Yuma Scorpions
In 2011, Jose Canseco played 64 out of 88 games for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League.
April 20, 2012: Signed by Worcester Tornadoes
On April 20, 2012, the Worcester Tornadoes of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball announced that they had signed Jose Canseco to a one-season contract for a salary of one thousand dollars a month.
August 2012: Left Worcester Tornadoes
In the beginning of August 2012, Jose Canseco left the Worcester Tornadoes due to concerns of not receiving his salary, leading him to sue the team.
2012: Brief Stint with the Quintana Roo Tigres and Alleged Testosterone Use
In 2012, Canseco joined the Quintana Roo Tigres of the Mexican League, but his time with the team was cut short due to allegations of testosterone use, which led to his ban from the league.
2012: Home run derby for charity
In 2012, Jose Canseco accepted a home run derby challenge by Canadian Twitter user Evan Malamud as part of a fundraiser for Home Runs For Autism and became their spokesperson.
2012: Season without PEDs
In a 2012 interview, Jose Canseco mentioned that one of his only seasons without performance-enhancing drugs was in 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays due to his ongoing divorce.
May 2013: Foreword for Air Force Gator 2
In May 2013, Jose Canseco provided the foreword to the novel Air Force Gator 2: Scales of Justice by Dan Ryckert, claiming the book is a metaphor for his own life.
May 22, 2013: Rape Allegation
On May 22, 2013, Jose Canseco was identified as a suspect in a rape investigation in Las Vegas. He took to Twitter to deny the accusations, even sharing details about the accuser.
June 7, 2013: Case Closed, No Charges Filed
After an investigation, the rape allegation against Jose Canseco was dismissed on June 7, 2013, and he did not face any charges.
2013: Played in Texas Winter League
In early 2013, Jose Canseco played in the Texas Winter League but managed only 3 hits in 16 at-bats. He later signed with the Fort Worth Cats of the United League to start the 2013 season.
October 28, 2014: Accidental Shooting
On October 28, 2014, Jose Canseco accidentally shot himself in the hand while cleaning his gun at his home in Las Vegas. He underwent surgery and recovered full use of his hand.
2014: Return to Oakland Coliseum
In 2014, Jose Canseco returned to the Oakland Coliseum to participate in the reunion event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1989 World Series championship team.
2015: Playing stints in Pacific Association
In 2015, Jose Canseco had a short playing stint in the Pacific Association, mostly with the Pittsburg Diamonds.
May 2016: Appearance for SoCal Glory
In May 2016, Jose Canseco made an appearance for the SoCal Glory in the 35+ MSBL Las Vegas Open – National Tournament.
2016: Continued playing in Pacific Association
In 2016, Jose Canseco continued to have short playing stints in the Pacific Association with the Pittsburg Diamonds.
2017: Film cameo in Slamma Jamma
In 2017, Jose Canseco had a cameo in the basketball drama Slamma Jamma, playing himself as a judge in a slam dunk competition.
2017: Final year in Pacific Association
In 2017, Jose Canseco had his final short playing stint in the Pacific Association, again mostly with the Pittsburg Diamonds.
2018: Played for Normal CornBelters
In 2018, at the age of 53, Jose Canseco played for the Normal CornBelters of the Independent Frontier League.
February 5, 2021: Boxing Match Loss
On February 5, 2021, Jose Canseco participated in a boxing match against Billy Football from Barstool Sports. He was knocked out in the first round.
2023: Ninth on the All-Time Strikeout List
As of the end of the 2023 season, Canseco holds the ninth position on the all-time list for hitters with the most strikeouts in MLB history.