Oakland Athletics: The Top 50 Oakland A’s of All-Time
#11: Jose Canseco
Although Jose Canseco has certainly lost a lot of his charm, given his antics on social media over the past few years, there was a time where he was one of the best sluggers in baseball. As a 15th round pick in the 1982 draft, he was overlooked by many teams. He made his debut in 1985, during a September call up.
The following year was his first full season, and he easily won the American League Rookie of the Year Award after an outstanding performance that included 33 home runs. It was the first of many big seasons for the Cuban-born slugger, who hit 42 homers and swiped 40 bases in 1988, becoming the first player to ever accomplish the feat.
Canseco teamed up with Mark McGwire as part of the “Bash Brothers”, and the two were feared by opposing pitchers for their power. During his career, he was a six-time All-Star, as well as a two-time World Series Champion (once with Oakland and once with the Rays in 2000). He also won the AL MVP in 1988, and four Silver Slugger Awards.
Of course, all of that is tainted by the fact that Canseco has admitted to using PEDs throughout his career, which is a shame given the kind of talent he had. His 462 career home runs included two seasons in which he led the league, but because of his connection to steroids, he’ll never be a Hall of Famer even if his numbers might otherwise have warranted at least some consideration.
Next: Top 50 Oakland Athletics: #10