The unsinkable Jose Canseco is back in baseball for 2012, signing a contract with the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) to play as a first baseman/designated hitter.
Canseco, who spent last season with the independent Yuma Scorpions (independent; North American League) as a player/coach/pitcher, spent the past offseason lobbying various MLB teams via Twitter for another shot at the majors.
“I am very much looking forward to putting on a uniform and competing on a professional level again this year; I love the game of baseball. I am particularly grateful to the Worcester Tornadoes for embracing me and having the confidence in me to help the team win,” he said
“We expect Jose to bring a lot of excitement to Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field,” says Tornadoes General Manager Jorg Bassiacos. “He brings vast, high-level Major League experience to the team and we expect him to be a very strong contributor. We are looking forward to a very successful season.”
The 47-year-old Canseco spent parts of 17 seasons in the majors, mashing 462 home runs. Canseco recorded eight 30-home-run seasons, five of them in an Oakland A’s uniform. He also played for the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and New York Yankees. He ended his Major League tenure with the Chicago White Sox in 2001.
“We’re very optimistic Jose will be a very solid ball player for the Tornadoes as our goal is to continue to bring high-level baseball to Worcester,” said team owner Todd Breighner.
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