Standing ovation for Canseco in the Bronx

Latinos in the Major Leagues - The Breakdown 2000.

Jose Canseco gets a standing ovation at Yankee stadium.

Written by Nelson Ortiz
Latino Legends in Sports

August 9, 2000 -- Jose Canseco made his NY Yankee debut last night and got a standing ovation from the 36,000+ fans in Yankee Stadium.

"It was a very positive reaction. Hopefully next time I get in, I'll produce," Canseco said.

Canseco, wearing number 33, came into the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and the Yankees trailing Oakland 3-2. Canseco, certainly a power threat and could easily launch a ball out of Yankee Stadium, took some big cuts in hopes to hit a grand slam. But with the count 2-1, Canseco swung hard -- broke his bat and popped up to right field to end the inning.

Manager Joe Torre, not thrilled by the addition of Canseco, figured out a way to use the Cuban slugger.

"It's nice to have ammunition like that off the bench." Torre said. "Everyone knows what he's capable of."

In all likelihood, that's how Canseco will be utilized for the remainder of the season, with an occasional appearance in the DH slot. He said he hasn't played left field since spring training, when he "shagged some fly balls out there."

With 440 career homers, 24th on the all-time list, Canseco is likely to become the most high-profile pinch-hitter ever.

Canseco is hitting .257 this season with nine homers and 30 RBI in only 61 games..

Back to Latino Legends in Sports