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{{short description|Mexican baseball player}}
{{Short description|Mexican baseball player (born 1967)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Spanish name|Castilla|Soria}}
{{family name hatnote|Castilla|Soria|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name =Vinny Castilla
|name =Vinny Castilla
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|throws =Right
|throws =Right
|birth_date ={{birth date and age|1967|7|4}}
|birth_date ={{birth date and age|1967|7|4}}
|birth_place =[[Oaxaca, Oaxaca|Oaxaca, Mexico]]
|birth_place =[[Oaxaca City|Oaxaca]], Mexico
|debutleague = MLB
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate =September 1
|debutdate =September 1
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* 3× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (1995, 1997, 1998)
* 3× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (1995, 1997, 1998)
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders|NL RBI leader]] (2004)
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders|NL RBI leader]] (2004)
| hofcolor= green
| hoflink= Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame
| hoftype= Mexican Professional
| hofdate= 2020
}}
}}
'''Vinicio "Vinny" Castilla Soria''' ({{IPA-es|kasˈtiʎa}}; born July 4, 1967) is a [[Mexico]]-born former [[Major League Baseball]] [[third baseman]] who played his best years with the [[Colorado Rockies]] and [[Atlanta Braves]]. Previously, he played with the Atlanta Braves (1991–1992, 2002–2003), Colorado Rockies (1993–1999, 2004, 2006), [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] (2000–2001), [[Houston Astros]] (2001), [[Washington Nationals]] (2005), and [[San Diego Padres]] (2006). He currently serves as a special assistant to the Rockies GM [[Jeff Bridich]].
'''Vinicio "Vinny" Castilla Soria''' ({{IPA-es|kasˈtiʎa}}; born July 4, 1967) is a [[Mexicans|Mexican]] former [[Major League Baseball]] [[third baseman]] who played his best years with the [[Colorado Rockies]] and [[Atlanta Braves]]. Previously, he played with the Atlanta Braves (1991–1992, 2002–2003), Colorado Rockies (1993–1999, 2004, 2006), [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] (2000–2001), [[Houston Astros]] (2001), [[Washington Nationals]] (2005), and [[San Diego Padres]] (2006). He currently serves as a special assistant to the Rockies [[General manager (baseball)|GM]] [[Bill Schmidt (baseball)|Bill Schmidt]].


==Baseball career (1991-2006)==
==Baseball career (1991–2006)==


===Atlanta Braves (1991-1992)===
===Atlanta Braves (1991–1992)===


The [[Atlanta Braves]] purchased Castilla's contract from the Saltillo club out of the Mexican League in 1990. He made his MLB debut as a shortstop for the Braves on September 9, 1991. For the 1992 season he only appeared in 8 games.
The [[Atlanta Braves]] purchased Castilla's contract from the [[Saraperos de Saltillo]] out of the [[Mexican League]] in 1990. He made his MLB debut as a shortstop for the Braves on September 9, 1991. For the 1992 season he only appeared in eight games.


===Colorado Rockies (1993-1999)===
===Colorado Rockies (1993–1999)===
In November 1992 he was selected by the Rockies in the expansion draft. For the 1993 season he played regularly hitting 9 home runs and 9 triples (8th in the league) and 30 RBIs in 105 games as a shortstop. In 1994 his playing time was reduced mainly due to the acquisition of shortstop [[Walt Weiss]] and the [[1994-95 Major League Baseball strike]]. Castilla only saw action in 52 games, hitting .311 with 11 doubles, playing all four positions in the infield.
In November 1992 he was selected by the Rockies in the expansion draft. For the 1993 season he played regularly hitting nine home runs, nine triples (8th in the league) and 30 RBIs in 105 games as a shortstop. In 1994, his playing time was reduced due to the acquisition of shortstop [[Walt Weiss]] and the [[1994-95 Major League Baseball strike]]. Castilla only saw action in 52 games, however he made the best of it, hitting .311 with 11 doubles, playing all four positions in the infield.


After the departure of starting third baseman [[Charlie Hayes]], Castilla was the leading candidate to man third base for the 1995 season. This, along with the help of manager [[Don Baylor]], was the turning point in Castlla's career, hitting .319 with 17 home runs and 48 runs batted in by the All Star break, earning him a backup spot in the All Star team. He was later named the starting third baseman for the NL after [[Matt Williams (third baseman)|Matt Williams]] was out with an injury. He finished the season with a .309 batting average, 32 home runs and 90 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger Award. In the NLDS against Atlanta he hit .467 with 3 home runs. Many considered Castilla's numbers to be a fluke, mainly because of playing at the friendly confines of a thin-air Denver stadium, a stigma that would follow Vinny for most of his Colorado career. His performance earned him votes for the NL MVP award, finishing 18th on the ballot.
After the departure of starting third baseman [[Charlie Hayes]], Castilla was the leading candidate to man third base for the 1995 season. This, along with the help of manager [[Don Baylor]], was the turning point in Castilla's career. By the all star break he was hitting .319 with 17 home runs and 48 runs batted, earning him a backup spot in the All Star team. He was later named the starting third baseman for the NL after [[Matt Williams (third baseman)|Matt Williams]] was out with an injury. He finished the season with a .309 batting average, 32 home runs, 34 doubles and 90 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger Award. In the NLDS against Atlanta he hit .467 with three home runs (two against [[Greg Maddux]] and one against [[John Smoltz]]). Many considered Castilla's numbers to be a fluke because he played his home games in the friendly confines of a thin-air Denver stadium, a stigma that would follow Vinny for most of his Colorado career. His performance earned him votes for the NL MVP award, finishing 18th on the ballot.


In 1996 he surpassed his numbers from the previous year. Playing in 160 games, he scored 97 runs, to go with 191 hits (7th in the NL) and 34 doubles. His 40th home run came on the last game of the season. He finished the year hitting .304, with 113 RBIs. He also hit 2 Grand Slams. At third base, he was NL leader in double plays turned (43) and assists (389).
In 1996 he surpassed his numbers from the previous year. Playing in 160 games, he scored 97 runs, to go with 191 hits (7th in the NL) and 34 doubles. His 40th home run came in the last game of the season. He finished the year hitting .304 with 113 RBIs. At third base, he was NL leader in double plays turned (43) and assists (389).


For the 1997 season he would have exactly the same totals of home runs, RBIs and batting average (40/113/.304) than the prior year, as well as 3 multi-homer games. He earned his second Silver Slugger Award in three years. Defensively, for second year in a row, he lead the league in both assists (323) and double plays for a 3B (41).
For the 1997 season he would have exactly the same totals of home runs, RBIs and batting average (40/113/.304) than the prior year, as well as three multi-homer games. He earned his second Silver Slugger Award in three years. Defensively, for second year in a row, he led the league in both assists (323) and double plays for a third baseman (41).


Castilla's most productive season was [[1998 Colorado Rockies season|1998]]. On opening day he hit the first ever home run at [[Bank One Ballpark]] of [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. That year he earned his second [[1998 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] nod and his first Home Run Derby selection in front of his home crowd in Colorado. Playing in all 162 games he finished the season with 46 home runs (4th in the league), 144 RBIs (3rd), 206 hits (3rd), 380 total bases (3rd),108 runs scored and a .319 batting average (10th in the league and career-high), good enough numbers to finish 11th in the NL MVP ballot.
Castilla's most productive season was [[1998 Colorado Rockies season|1998]]. On opening day he hit the first ever home run at [[Bank One Ballpark]] of [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. That year he earned his second [[1998 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] nod and his first Home Run Derby selection, in front of his home crowd in Colorado. Playing in all 162 games, he finished the season with 46 home runs (4th in the league), 144 RBIs (3rd), 206 hits (3rd), 380 total bases (3rd), 108 runs scored and a .319 batting average (10th in the league), all career-highs and good enough numbers to finish 11th in the [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|NL MVP]] ballot.


On April 4, [[1999 Colorado Rockies season|1999]], Castilla was a part of history as the Rockies played their [[Opening Day]] contest in his native Mexico at [[Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey]] in [[Monterrey]]. The game marked the first time [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) commenced the regular season outside of the [[United States]] or [[Canada]]. The Rockies' opponent were the defending [[List of National League pennant winners|National League champion]] [[1999 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]]. Castilla delighted the crowd with four hits including a double,<ref>[http://pressbox.mlb.com/pressbox/events/opening_day.jsp?content=od_facts The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Events: Opening Day<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/notebook?page=bbtn ESPN - Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Weekend preview - MLB<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite newspaper |author=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E6D81139F936A35757C0A96F958260 |title=Bichette and Castilla spark Rockies in opener in Mexico |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 5, 1999 |accessdate=June 8, 2017}}</ref> as Colorado won 8–2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN199904040.shtml |title=Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres box score |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |date=April 4, 1999 |accessdate=June 6, 2017}}</ref>.
On April 4, [[1999 Colorado Rockies season|1999]], Castilla was a part of history as the Rockies played their [[Opening Day]] contest in his native Mexico at [[Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey]] in [[Monterrey]]. The game marked the first time [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] commenced the regular season outside of the [[United States]] or [[Canada]]. The Rockies' opponent were the defending [[List of National League pennant winners|National League champion]] [[1999 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]]. Castilla delighted the crowd with four hits including a double,<ref>[http://pressbox.mlb.com/pressbox/events/opening_day.jsp?content=od_facts The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Events: Opening Day<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/notebook?page=bbtn ESPN – Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Weekend preview – MLB<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E6D81139F936A35757C0A96F958260 |title=Bichette and Castilla spark Rockies in opener in Mexico |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 5, 1999 |access-date=June 8, 2017}}</ref> as Colorado won 8–2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN199904040.shtml |title=Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres box score |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |date=April 4, 1999 |access-date=June 6, 2017}}</ref>


During the Monterrey series in Mexico, Castilla switched briefly to number 14 on his jersey, in honor of former Rockies first baseman [[Andres Galarraga]] (then with the [[Atlanta Braves]]), who was diagnosed with cancer and missed the entire ‘99 season.
During the Monterrey series in Mexico, Castilla switched briefly to number 14 on his jersey, in honor of former Rockies first baseman [[Andrés Galarraga]] (then with the [[Atlanta Braves]]), who was diagnosed with cancer and missed the entire ‘99 season.


On June 6, 1999, Castilla produced his first career three-home run game against the [[1999 Milwaukee Brewers season|Milwaukee Brewers]]. His offensive numbers declined a little, hitting for a .275 batting average (first time in 5 years he didn’t eclipsed the .300 mark) He finished the season with 33 home runs, but for the 4th year in a row he had 100+ RBIs (102). He had the 3rd highest number of errors at third base with 19.
On June 6, 1999, Castilla produced his first career three-home run game against the [[1999 Milwaukee Brewers season|Milwaukee Brewers]]. His offensive numbers slightly declined, hitting for a .275 batting average (first time in 5 years he failed to eclipse the .300 mark) He finished the season with 33 home runs, but for the 4th year in a row he had 100+ RBIs (102). He had the 3rd highest number of errors at third base with 19.


===Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000-2001)===
===Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000–2001)===
Prior to the 2000 season, Castilla was sent to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team that featured veteran sluggers [[Jose Canseco]], [[Greg Vaughn]] and [[Fred McGriff]]. However, he played only in 85 games, hitting for a .221 BA and 6 home runs.
Prior to the 2000 season, Castilla was sent to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team that featured veteran sluggers [[Jose Canseco]], [[Greg Vaughn]] and [[Fred McGriff]]. However, he played only in 85 games, hitting .221 with six home runs.


The following year, he played only 24 games for Tampa Bay before being traded to the Houston Astros.
The following year, he played only 24 games for Tampa Bay before being traded to the Houston Astros.
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After playing only 24 games for Tampa Bay at the beginning of the 2001 season, Castilla went to play for the Houston Astros where he re-discovered his power at the plate. He played in 122 games, hitting 23 home runs (including three in one game against the Pirates on July 28) and 82 RBIs, making it to the post season with the Astros, where he hit .273 with a solo home run in the NLDS.
After playing only 24 games for Tampa Bay at the beginning of the 2001 season, Castilla went to play for the Houston Astros where he re-discovered his power at the plate. He played in 122 games, hitting 23 home runs (including three in one game against the Pirates on July 28) and 82 RBIs, making it to the post season with the Astros, where he hit .273 with a solo home run in the NLDS.


===Return to the Atlanta Braves (2002-2003)===
===Return to the Atlanta Braves (2002–2003)===


He was signed as a free agent by the Braves in 2002. Although his offensive numbers declined (.232/12/61), he established himself as a premier defender at third base, leading the league in fielding average with .982. In the post season he hit a solid .320 with a home run and 4 RBIs. He played another season with the Braves in 2003, finishing the year with 22 homers and 76 runs batted in.
He was signed as a free agent by the Braves in 2002. Although his offensive numbers declined (.232/12/61), he established himself as a premier defender at third base, leading the league in fielding average with .982. In the postseason he hit a solid .320 with a home run and four RBIs. He played another season with the Braves in 2003, finishing the year with 22 homers and 76 runs batted in.


===Return to the Colorado Rockies and final seasons (2004-2006)===
===Return to the Colorado Rockies (2004)===


He returned for a second stint with the Colorado Rockies for the 2004 season and had a tremendous year, hitting 43 doubles and 35 home runs, and led the league with 131 RBIs. Defensively Castilla had arguably his best season at third base, leading the league in fielding average and committing only 6 errors all year long. Inexplicably he was denied of Gold Glove, Silver Slugger Award or All Star Game considerations.
He returned for a second stint with the Colorado Rockies for the 2004 season and had a tremendous year, hitting 43 doubles and 35 home runs, and led the league with 131 RBIs. Defensively Castilla had arguably his best season at third base, leading the league in fielding average and committing only six errors all year long. Despite his season performance, he was denied Gold Glove, Silver Slugger Award and All Star Game considerations.


===Washington Nationals (2005)===
⚫
He moved on to play with the [[Washington Nationals]] in 2005, hitting 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in 142 games. He finished second among third basemen in fielding average, with .970. In 2006, he played 72 games for the San Diego Padres before being released. He then signed with the Rockies for a third time to finish his career in Colorado. His last home run with the Rockies came on September 9, 2006 giving him a total of 239, good for 3rd all time in franchise history.
Castilla moved on to play with the [[Washington Nationals]] in 2005, hitting 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in 142 games. He finished second among third basemen in fielding average, with .970.


===San Diego Padres (2006)===
⚫
Always a fan favorite in Colorado, Castilla was the last player to retire from the original 1993 Colorado roster. As of 2020 he is the all-time home run leader among Mexico-born players (320). He won three Silver Slugger Awards ('95, '97 and '98) and was selected twice to the All Star Game. He hit 30+ home runs six times (including three 40-homer seasons) and drove in 100+ runs five times. At the peak of his career (1995 to 1999) he averaged 38 home runs and 112 RBIs. In post season play he finished with a .350 average (21 hits on 60 at bats) in 17 games, with 5 homers and 12 RBIs. He played in 16 seasons for six different clubs, and averaged 165 hits, 28 home runs and 97 RBIs for every 162 games played.
⚫
In 2006, he played 72 games for the San Diego Padres before being released. He then signed with the Rockies for a third time to finish his career in Colorado. His last home run with the Rockies came on September 9, 2006, giving him a total of 239, good for 3rd all-time in franchise history.

===Post Playing===
⚫
Always a fan favorite in Colorado, Castilla was the last player to retire from the original 1993 Colorado roster. As of 2022, he is the all-time home run leader among Mexican-born players (320). He won three Silver Slugger Awards ('95, '97 and '98) and was selected twice to the All Star Game. He hit 30+ home runs six times (including three 40-homer seasons) and drove in 100+ runs five times. At the peak of his career (1995 to 1999) he averaged 38 home runs and 112 RBIs. In post season play he finished with a .350 average (21 hits on 60 at bats) in 17 games, with five homers and 12 RBIs. He played in 16 seasons for six different clubs, and averaged 165 hits, 28 home runs and 97 RBIs for every 162 games played.


==Post-playing career==
==Post-playing career==
He decided to retire after the [[Caribbean Series]] on February 7, 2007, becoming a special assistant to Rockies GM [[Dan O'Dowd]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2007/02/07/castilla-retires.html |title=Vinny Castilla retires, joins Rockies front office |accessdate=December 16, 2008 |author=|authorlink= |date=February 7, 2007 |work=cbc.com}}</ref>
He decided to retire after the [[Caribbean Series]] on February 7, 2007, becoming a special assistant to Rockies GM [[Dan O'Dowd]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/vinny-castilla-retires-joins-rockies-front-office-1.690370 |title=Vinny Castilla retires, joins Rockies front office |access-date=March 25, 2023 |date=February 7, 2007 |work=cbc.ca}}</ref>


In 2007, he was named manager of the [[Mexico national baseball team|Mexico baseball team]] for the [[Pan American Games]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2783482 |title=Vinny Castilla to manage Mexican national team |accessdate=December 16, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |authorlink=Associated Press |date=February 28, 2007 |work=espn.com}}</ref> and also served as manager in the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]].<ref name="mpl">{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2008/267347.html |title=Castilla Mentors Mexican Prospects |accessdate=December 16, 2008 |author=Bill Mitchell |authorlink=Baseball America |date=February 28, 2007 |work=baseballamerica.com}}</ref> In 2008, he was a player-manager for the [[Naranjeros de Hermosillo]] in the [[Mexican Pacific League]].<ref name="mpl"/>
In 2007, he was named manager of the [[Mexico national baseball team|Mexico baseball team]] for the [[Pan American Games]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2783482 |title=Vinny Castilla to manage Mexican national team |access-date=December 16, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |date=February 28, 2007 |work=espn.com}}</ref> and also served as manager in the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]].<ref name="mpl">{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/winter-baseball/winter-wonders/2008/267347.html |title=Castilla Mentors Mexican Prospects |access-date=December 16, 2008 |author=Bill Mitchell |author-link=Baseball America |date=February 28, 2007 |work=baseballamerica.com}}</ref> In 2008, he was a player-manager for the [[Naranjeros de Hermosillo]] in the [[Mexican Pacific League]].<ref name="mpl"/>


Castilla and his wife, Samantha, have 3 sons, Vinicio Jr., Daulton and Cristian.<ref>[http://www.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=112106 MLB Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights.]</ref>
Castilla and his wife, Samantha, have three sons, Vinicio Jr., Daulton and Cristian.<ref>[http://www.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=112106 MLB Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights.]</ref>

In 2020, Castilla was inducted into the [[Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vinicio Castilla|url=https://www.salondelafamadelbeisbolmexicano.com/post/vinicio-castilla|website=Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Mexicano|access-date=7 September 2022|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vinicio Castilla lidera la lista de nuevos integrantes de Salón de la Fama del Béisbol mexicano|url=https://www.sinembargo.mx/03-12-2020/3904330|website=Sin Embargo|agency=EFE|date=3 December 2020|access-date=7 September 2022|language=es}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Mexico roster 2006 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Mexico roster 2006 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Mexico roster 2009 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Mexico roster 2009 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Mexico roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}}

{{Mexico national baseball team managers}}
{{Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame members}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Oaxaca]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Oaxaca]]
⚫
[[Category:Caribbean Series players]]
[[Category:Colorado Rockies (baseball) coaches]]
[[Category:Colorado Rockies (baseball) coaches]]
[[Category:Colorado Rockies players]]
[[Category:Colorado Rockies players]]
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[[Category:Major League Baseball players from Mexico]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from Mexico]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball third basemen]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball third basemen]]
[[Category:Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Mexican expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Mexican expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Naranjeros de Hermosillo players]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:National League RBI champions]]
[[Category:National League RBI champions]]
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[[Category:Tampa Bay Devil Rays players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Devil Rays players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
⚫
[[Category:Yaquis de Obregón players]]

Latest revision as of 21:57, 29 April 2024

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Castilla and the second or maternal family name is Soria.
Vinny Castilla
Castilla with the San Diego Padres in 2006
Third baseman
Born: (1967-07-04) July 4, 1967 (age 56)
Oaxaca, Mexico
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 1, 1991, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2006, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Batting average.276
Home runs320
Runs batted in1,105
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Member of the Mexican Professional
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction2020

Vinicio "Vinny" Castilla Soria (Spanish pronunciation: [kasˈtiʎa]; born July 4, 1967) is a Mexican former Major League Baseball third baseman who played his best years with the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. Previously, he played with the Atlanta Braves (1991–1992, 2002–2003), Colorado Rockies (1993–1999, 2004, 2006), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000–2001), Houston Astros (2001), Washington Nationals (2005), and San Diego Padres (2006). He currently serves as a special assistant to the Rockies GM Bill Schmidt.

Baseball career (1991–2006)[edit]

Atlanta Braves (1991–1992)[edit]

The Atlanta Braves purchased Castilla's contract from the Saraperos de Saltillo out of the Mexican League in 1990. He made his MLB debut as a shortstop for the Braves on September 9, 1991. For the 1992 season he only appeared in eight games.

Colorado Rockies (1993–1999)[edit]

In November 1992 he was selected by the Rockies in the expansion draft. For the 1993 season he played regularly hitting nine home runs, nine triples (8th in the league) and 30 RBIs in 105 games as a shortstop. In 1994, his playing time was reduced due to the acquisition of shortstop Walt Weiss and the 1994-95 Major League Baseball strike. Castilla only saw action in 52 games, however he made the best of it, hitting .311 with 11 doubles, playing all four positions in the infield.

After the departure of starting third baseman Charlie Hayes, Castilla was the leading candidate to man third base for the 1995 season. This, along with the help of manager Don Baylor, was the turning point in Castilla's career. By the all star break he was hitting .319 with 17 home runs and 48 runs batted, earning him a backup spot in the All Star team. He was later named the starting third baseman for the NL after Matt Williams was out with an injury. He finished the season with a .309 batting average, 32 home runs, 34 doubles and 90 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger Award. In the NLDS against Atlanta he hit .467 with three home runs (two against Greg Maddux and one against John Smoltz). Many considered Castilla's numbers to be a fluke because he played his home games in the friendly confines of a thin-air Denver stadium, a stigma that would follow Vinny for most of his Colorado career. His performance earned him votes for the NL MVP award, finishing 18th on the ballot.

In 1996 he surpassed his numbers from the previous year. Playing in 160 games, he scored 97 runs, to go with 191 hits (7th in the NL) and 34 doubles. His 40th home run came in the last game of the season. He finished the year hitting .304 with 113 RBIs. At third base, he was NL leader in double plays turned (43) and assists (389).

For the 1997 season he would have exactly the same totals of home runs, RBIs and batting average (40/113/.304) than the prior year, as well as three multi-homer games. He earned his second Silver Slugger Award in three years. Defensively, for second year in a row, he led the league in both assists (323) and double plays for a third baseman (41).

Castilla's most productive season was 1998. On opening day he hit the first ever home run at Bank One Ballpark of Arizona Diamondbacks. That year he earned his second All-Star nod and his first Home Run Derby selection, in front of his home crowd in Colorado. Playing in all 162 games, he finished the season with 46 home runs (4th in the league), 144 RBIs (3rd), 206 hits (3rd), 380 total bases (3rd), 108 runs scored and a .319 batting average (10th in the league), all career-highs and good enough numbers to finish 11th in the NL MVP ballot.

On April 4, 1999, Castilla was a part of history as the Rockies played their Opening Day contest in his native Mexico at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey in Monterrey. The game marked the first time MLB commenced the regular season outside of the United States or Canada. The Rockies' opponent were the defending National League champion San Diego Padres. Castilla delighted the crowd with four hits including a double,[1][2][3] as Colorado won 8–2.[4]

During the Monterrey series in Mexico, Castilla switched briefly to number 14 on his jersey, in honor of former Rockies first baseman Andrés Galarraga (then with the Atlanta Braves), who was diagnosed with cancer and missed the entire ‘99 season.

On June 6, 1999, Castilla produced his first career three-home run game against the Milwaukee Brewers. His offensive numbers slightly declined, hitting for a .275 batting average (first time in 5 years he failed to eclipse the .300 mark) He finished the season with 33 home runs, but for the 4th year in a row he had 100+ RBIs (102). He had the 3rd highest number of errors at third base with 19.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000–2001)[edit]

Prior to the 2000 season, Castilla was sent to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team that featured veteran sluggers Jose Canseco, Greg Vaughn and Fred McGriff. However, he played only in 85 games, hitting .221 with six home runs.

The following year, he played only 24 games for Tampa Bay before being traded to the Houston Astros.

Houston Astros (2001)[edit]

After playing only 24 games for Tampa Bay at the beginning of the 2001 season, Castilla went to play for the Houston Astros where he re-discovered his power at the plate. He played in 122 games, hitting 23 home runs (including three in one game against the Pirates on July 28) and 82 RBIs, making it to the post season with the Astros, where he hit .273 with a solo home run in the NLDS.

Return to the Atlanta Braves (2002–2003)[edit]

He was signed as a free agent by the Braves in 2002. Although his offensive numbers declined (.232/12/61), he established himself as a premier defender at third base, leading the league in fielding average with .982. In the postseason he hit a solid .320 with a home run and four RBIs. He played another season with the Braves in 2003, finishing the year with 22 homers and 76 runs batted in.

Return to the Colorado Rockies (2004)[edit]

He returned for a second stint with the Colorado Rockies for the 2004 season and had a tremendous year, hitting 43 doubles and 35 home runs, and led the league with 131 RBIs. Defensively Castilla had arguably his best season at third base, leading the league in fielding average and committing only six errors all year long. Despite his season performance, he was denied Gold Glove, Silver Slugger Award and All Star Game considerations.

Washington Nationals (2005)[edit]

Castilla moved on to play with the Washington Nationals in 2005, hitting 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in 142 games. He finished second among third basemen in fielding average, with .970.

San Diego Padres (2006)[edit]

In 2006, he played 72 games for the San Diego Padres before being released. He then signed with the Rockies for a third time to finish his career in Colorado. His last home run with the Rockies came on September 9, 2006, giving him a total of 239, good for 3rd all-time in franchise history.

Post Playing[edit]

Always a fan favorite in Colorado, Castilla was the last player to retire from the original 1993 Colorado roster. As of 2022, he is the all-time home run leader among Mexican-born players (320). He won three Silver Slugger Awards ('95, '97 and '98) and was selected twice to the All Star Game. He hit 30+ home runs six times (including three 40-homer seasons) and drove in 100+ runs five times. At the peak of his career (1995 to 1999) he averaged 38 home runs and 112 RBIs. In post season play he finished with a .350 average (21 hits on 60 at bats) in 17 games, with five homers and 12 RBIs. He played in 16 seasons for six different clubs, and averaged 165 hits, 28 home runs and 97 RBIs for every 162 games played.

Post-playing career[edit]

He decided to retire after the Caribbean Series on February 7, 2007, becoming a special assistant to Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd.[5]

In 2007, he was named manager of the Mexico baseball team for the Pan American Games,[6] and also served as manager in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.[7] In 2008, he was a player-manager for the Naranjeros de Hermosillo in the Mexican Pacific League.[7]

Castilla and his wife, Samantha, have three sons, Vinicio Jr., Daulton and Cristian.[8]

In 2020, Castilla was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.[9][10]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Events: Opening Day
  2. ^ ESPN – Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Weekend preview – MLB
  3. ^ "Bichette and Castilla spark Rockies in opener in Mexico". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 5, 1999. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  4. ^ "Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres box score". Baseball-Reference.com. April 4, 1999. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  5. ^ "Vinny Castilla retires, joins Rockies front office". cbc.ca. February 7, 2007. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  6. ^ "Vinny Castilla to manage Mexican national team". espn.com. Associated Press. February 28, 2007. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  7. ^ a b Bill Mitchell (February 28, 2007). "Castilla Mentors Mexican Prospects". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  8. ^ MLB Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights.
  9. ^ "Vinicio Castilla". Salón de la Fama del Beisbol Mexicano (in Spanish). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  10. ^ "Vinicio Castilla lidera la lista de nuevos integrantes de Salón de la Fama del Béisbol mexicano". Sin Embargo (in Spanish). EFE. December 3, 2020. Retrieved September 7, 2022.

External links[edit]

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