Jose Canseco, the newest member of the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League), met the local press yesterday and was by all accounts charming and accommodating.
The 47-year-old took batting practice at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field yesterday as well, as the Tornadoes prep for the 2012 season.
“Guys, don’t take this as a joke or a circus,” he said at a press conference. “Come out and watch me and you can be the judge if I can still hit a baseball. I pride myself on the art of power hitting.”
With a little snark, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette took a shot at Canseco, wondering if he’d be around in a Tornadoes uniform after the 4th of July holiday. Give him some credit: he was the voice of reason with the Yuma Scorpions (independent; North American League) last summer, keeping his wits while the rest of the league crumbled around him. And he did stay the entire season with Yuma, outlasting two NAL teams and many other players and coaches. With Worcester, Canseco will be counted on to do two things: attract fans and hit home runs. It would be surprising if he didn’t do the first, and last season he proved he can do the second. Not many 47-year-olds aren’t in good enough shape to play pro baseball, so maybe Jose should be given the benefit of the doubt this time around.
RELATED STORIES: Jose Canseco resurfaces, this time in Worcester
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