Jose Canseco is one of the most well-known names in Major League Baseball history. A former outfielder and designated hitter, Canseco became famous not only for his powerful hitting but also for his controversial life on and off the field
He was one of the first players in MLB history to hit over 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season, a rare achievement that showcased his strength and athleticism.
Beyond his baseball accomplishments, Canseco’s name is often linked with the steroid era of the sport.
His candid revelations about performance-enhancing drugs in his best-selling book Juiced made him both a whistleblower and a controversial figure. Despite the ups and downs, he remains a recognizable personality in sports and pop culture.
In this article, we will explore Jose Canseco’s biography, age, career highlights, net worth, wife and children, personal life, and more, giving a complete look at the man behind the headlines.
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Table of Contents
José Canseco’s Baseball Legend’s Rise
José Canseco Capas Jr., born on July 2, 1964, in Havana, Cuba, is a former Major League Baseball star. Known as one of the most powerful sluggers of his time he burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s.
He won AL Rookie of the Year in 1986 and reached legendary status in 1988 when he became the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season.1
Canseco’s journey took him from Cuban exile to MLB fame. He starred with the Oakland Athletics and other teams over a 17-year career.
He won World Series titles and MVP awards but later faced public scrutiny and financial hardship. His tell-all memoir Juiced revealed widespread steroid use in baseball and cast him as a controversial figure.2
Early Life and Background
José and his twin brother Ozzie were born in Havana to José and Barbara Canseco.
When they were about nine months old the family emigrated to Miami. They arrived with almost nothing. Their father formerly worked for an oil company before the Cuban Revolution.
They settled in South Florida and adapted quickly to life in the U.S. Both brothers played baseball in high school; José attended Coral Park High School and became a standout player.
Baseball Career
Minor League Beginnings
Drafted in the 15th round of the 1982 MLB Draft by the Oakland A’s José started in rookie ball with the Miami Marlins (Florida State League).
He climbed the minors with teams like Medford A’s, Madison Muskies, Idaho Falls A’s, Modesto A’s and Tacoma Tigers.3
In 1985 he played for Huntsville Stars (AA), earning the nickname “Parkway José” for his prodigious long home runs.
In the near future controlling your dreams will be a reality. You will live your best life in your dreams
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) August 20, 2025
Major League Debut and Ascent (1985–2001)
José made his MLB debut on September 2, 1985 for the Athletics and quickly became a force. In 1986 he earned Rookie of the Year.
In 1988 he achieved 40/40 status, winning AL MVP, a Silver Slugger, and launching the Athletics into dominance.4
He played for several teams: Oakland (1985–1992, 1997), Texas Rangers (1992–1994), Boston Red Sox (1995–1996), Toronto Blue Jays (1998), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999–2000), New York Yankees (2000), and Chicago White Sox (2001).
He was a six-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, two-time home run leader, and a World Series champion in 1989 (Athletics) and 2000 (Yankees).
Personal Life: Wives, Children, Controversies
Marriages and Children
José first married Esther Haddad in 1988. They divorced in 1992 after incidents including a domestic dispute.
He then married model Jessica Sekely (Jessica Canseco) in 1996. They had a daughter, Josie Canseco, before their divorce in 1999.5
Josie Canseco has become a well-known model and social media personality. She was Playboy Playmate of the Month in June 2016 and has appeared in media and fashion shows.
She has stated she built her own net worth and faced financial adversity from an early age.6
Legal Issues and Public Controversies
José faced multiple legal issues:
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1989: Reckless driving chase in Florida; later pistol possession; fined and released.
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1992: Charged with aggravated battery after ramming his ex-wife Esther’s car; underwent counseling.
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1997: Arrested for beating Jessica; pleaded no contest, sentenced to probation and counseling.
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2001: Bar fight in Miami with his brother resulted in battery charges.
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2008: Lost his home to foreclosure and arrested at border for possession of prescription drugs.
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Steroids, Memoir, and Outside Baseball
José admitted to steroid use during his career. In 2005 his memoir Juiced revealed extensive doping in MLB. The fallout hurt his public standing and professional opportunities.
He also appeared on TV shows such as The Simpsons, Nash Bridges, The Surreal Life, and others. He has dabbled in MMA and boxing after retirement.
In 2024 he was inducted into the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame.
Financial Downfall and Recent Efforts
Despite earning around $55 million during his MLB career, José faced financial collapse due to divorces, taxes, bad investments, and mismanagement.
By 2018 he claimed he was down to $20 and living in a friend’s garage. Estimates of his net worth in recent years range between $800 K and $900 K.7
He filed for bankruptcy in 2012. To raise funds, he has sold memorabilia like a signed poker table, ostrich boots, motorcycle and advertising items. In 2019 he opened a car wash in Las Vegas, which later closed temporarily.
Currently he focuses on a training device called PX 40/40. Backed by Ken Griffey Jr., it aims to revolutionize power hitting in multiple sports.
Career Highlights Stats Table
| Category | Career Stats or Highlights |
|---|---|
| MLB Debut | September 2, 1985 (Oakland Athletics) |
| MLB Final Appearance | October 6, 2001 (Chicago White Sox) |
| Games Played | 1,887 (17 seasons) |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .266 |
| Home Runs | 462 |
| Runs Batted In (RBIs) | 1,407 |
| Stolen Bases | 200 |
| All-Star Selections | 6 times |
| AL MVP | 1988 |
| AL Rookie of the Year | 1986 |
| Silver Slugger Awards | 4 times |
| 40-40 Club | 1988 (first ever) |
| World Series Titles | 1989 (OAK), 2000 (NYY) |
| Athletics Hall of Fame | Inducted 2024 |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $800 K – $900 K |
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FAQ’s
Q: What is José Canseco’s net worth?
A: Most recent estimates place it at around $900,000 (2025).8 Other sources estimate $800,000.9
Q: Who was Canseco married to?
A: He had two marriages. First to Esther Haddad (1988–1992) and then to Jessica Sekely (1996–1999) Famous BirthdaysWikipediaWikipedia.
Q: Does José Canseco have children?
A: Yes, he has one daughter, Josie Canseco, with Jessica.10
Q: What were his career stats?
A: In 17 MLB seasons he hit .266 with 462 home runs, 1,407 RBIs and 200 stolen bases.11
Q: What controversies did he face?
A: He admitted to steroid use. He wrote Juiced and faced backlash, legal trouble, multiple arrests, divorces and financial issues.12
Q: What is PX 40/40?
A: It is a batting aid José developed to help improve power-hitting technique. Ken Griffey Jr. signed on to promote it.
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