Jose Canseco First in 40/40 Club -September 23, 1988

Jose Canseco was the first Major League player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season. He reached the milestone on Septeber 23, 1988. The Cuban born Canseco was 24 at the time, playing for the Oakland A’s in his third season in the Majors.

On September 18, Canseco hit his 40th home run of the season in the first inning against Kansas City’s Brett Saberhagen. At that point Canseco had 37 stolen bases. He stole his 38th base against Minnesota on September 20th.

Then on September 23, Canseco took his 39th stolen base after singling off of Juan Nieves. Canseco became the charter member of the 40/40 Club, when while still facing Nieves, he again singled and stole second base.

Canseco did not steal any more bases in 1988, but he did hit two more home runs. For his career, Canseco hit .266, but in 1988 he hit .307 knocked in 124 RBIs. Both marks were career bests for him.