Cañizares played from 1997 through 2003 for the Industriales and Metropolitanos teams of the Cuban National Series. Overall, he posted a batting average of .303 (537-for-1,775) with 38 home runs and 294 runs batted in in 520 games. He guided Industriales together with MLB player Kendrys Morales to the postseason in 2005.\n', '

While playing for the Cuban national team, he sold his jersey to a fan after an international game. Unbeknownst to Cañizares, the fan was a member of the United States Interests Section in Havana. As a result, Cañizares received a lifetime suspension from Cuban baseball.\n', '

In February 2004, Cañizares defected from Cuba along with Michel Abreu and Yosandy Ibañez. The three later played professionally together in Nicaraguan baseball. He then signed with the Atlanta Braves on February 4, 2006.\n', '

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