John Cangelosi

About the Author

John Cangelosi is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose remarkable career defied the odds, taking him from an undersized kid in rural Illinois to a World Series champion with the Florida Marlins in 1997. Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1982, he quickly rose through the minors, earning a call-up in 1984 and becoming a fan favorite for his speed, grit, and infectious enthusiasm on the field. Over 12 seasons, Cangelosi played for teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he stole 52 bases in 1990, and the Houston Astros, amassing over 400 stolen bases and a reputation as a scrappy utility player. Retiring in 1999, he transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, sharing insights from his improbable journey. In his memoir, 'John Cangelosi: The Improbable Baseball Journey of the Undersized Kid from Nowhere to World Series Champion,' he chronicles the highs, lows, and lessons of a life in baseball with humor and heart.