Vinny Castilla

Former Major League Baseball third baseman, Vinny Castilla, is famous for having played with Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. Castilla started his career in baseball in 1991, when he first landed a contract with Saltillo club out of the Maxican League. His first MLB debut as a shortstop for the Braves took place in September of 1991. Castilla was chosen by the Rockies in the expansion draft in 1992. In the following year, he played regularly hitting 9 home runs, 9 triples, and 30 RBIs in 105 games. Castilla became the leading candidate to man third base for the 1995 season. This brought Castilla the chance to shine with his performances. Knowing this, Castilla was hitting .319 with 17 home runs and 48 runs batted. All these results brought Castilla a backup spot in the All Star team. He was also named the starting third baseman for the NL. Castilla finished the season with a .309 batting average, 32 home runs, 34 doubles and 90 RBIs, winning his first Silver Slugger Award. 1998 was Castilla’s most productive season. He hit the first home run on opening day at Bank One Ballpark of Arizona Diamondbacks. He also earned his second All-Star not and his first Home Run Derby selection. In the following year, Castilla was part of history as the Rockies played their Opening Day contest in Mexico. After building an unquestionably successful career as third baseman, Castilla went on to play with Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, and later returned again to Atlanta Braves as well as Colorado Rockies. Currently, Castilla serves as special assistant to the Rockies GM Jeff Bridich.