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Jose Canseco Signs with Independent League

Jose Canseco
Jose Canseco’s book “Juiced” (Photo credit: Amazon)
Screen shot 2012 04 21 at 1.29.20 PM
Jose Canseco's book "Juiced" (Photo credit: Amazon)

Jose Canseco is 47 years old and he still wants to play baseball—so somebody is helping out the former slugger and admitted steroid user.

An independent league team in Massachusetts, The Worcester Tornadoes, has signed Canseco for one season, the team announced on its website.

Canseco, the owner of 462 major league home runs over 17 seasons in baseball, said in a statement that he’s looking forward to donning a baseball uniform again and playing pro ball.

“I love the game of baseball,” he added. “I am particularly grateful to the Worcester Tornadoes for embracing me and having the confidence in me to help the team win.” The Tornadoes are part of the CanAm League, and their season kicks off on May 17.

While explaining the Tornadoes’ decision to sign the former member of the Bash Brothers with Mark McGwire, the team’s general manager said they expect Canseco to bring a lot of excitement to the club.

“He brings vast, high-level Major League experience to the team and we expect him to be a very strong contributor,” GM Jorg Bassiacos said. “We are looking forward to a very successful season.”

Over his 17 years in the majors, the slugger played for the Athletics, Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Devil Rays and Yankees. He finished up his major league career with the Chicago White Sox in 2001.

Since leaving the majors, Canseco has been outspoken about steroid use in baseball. He’s the author of two books “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big” and “Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and the Battle to Save Baseball.”