John Cangelosi, a professional baseball player known for his speed and agility, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as an outfielder. Born on March 10, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, Cangelosi grew up with a passion for baseball, eventually leading him to a career in the major leagues. He attended Miami Dade College, where his performance on the field caught the attention of MLB scouts.
Cangelosi's professional journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the fourth round of the 1982 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the White Sox on June 13, 1985. During his rookie season, Cangelosi quickly became known for his base-stealing prowess, swiping 50 bases in 1986, which set a White Sox rookie record at the time. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to the team.
After his stint with the White Sox, Cangelosi was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987. With the Pirates, he continued to utilize his speed and on-base skills, contributing to the team's efforts both offensively and defensively. His time in Pittsburgh lasted until 1990, after which he joined the Texas Rangers for a brief period in 1992.
Cangelosi's career saw him move through several teams, including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Florida Marlins. While with the Marlins in 1997, he was part of the team that won the World Series, marking a highlight in his career. Although not a regular starter, Cangelosi's role as a pinch hitter and base runner was crucial during the Marlins' championship run.
In 1999, Cangelosi played his final MLB season with the Colorado Rockies. Over his career, he was known for his ability to draw walks and his strategic approach to base running. Cangelosi finished his career with a batting average of .250, 12 home runs, and 134 stolen bases.
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