Adios, amigo...

by Rox Girl on Feb 8, 2007 7:07 AM MST in Rockpile

With yesterday's four to three victory over Venezuela with the Mexican team, Vinny Castilla's professional baseball playing career came to an end. Castilla was the last of the original Blake Street Bombers to call it quits, perhaps fittingly considering that the Rockies are finally entering a new period of promise after many seasons in the dark. Luckily Rockies fans were able to say goodbye to Vinny in style as he spent his last months in the MLB with the team, and we look forward to him having a long and productive post-playing career in the Rockies organization.

Anyway, we could post some of our most cherished Vinny moments here. My own favorite was this game Sept 1, 1995 against Atlanta, which I was lucky enough to attend. With the Rockies having won five in a row to claw back into first in the division, they faced the East (and NL) leading Braves to try for a sweep. The game wasn't even close, Ellis Burks hit a bases loaded single off Steve Avery to start the scoring in the bottom of the first, and then Vinny followed with a two-out single of his own to give the Rockies a three nothing lead. Vinny finished with three more hits, including a homerun and the Rockies won 12-2. I was so sure after this series that we'd beat the Braves in the playoffs, but we know how that turned out.

We were lucky enough to get tickets because a friend of my mom's couldn't use hers. It was so hard to get into Coors then.

Hasta luego, Vinny. Now get back to work. :)

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Is Vinny going to work in the org?

If so I would assume in some capacity (scout, etc) in Mexico, correct?

I was out of state for most of the time Vinny was with the team, but what I did see I liked. Seems like a grounded, come as you are type of guy personality wise.

I mean, he was no Jeff Cirillo, but then again who is?

by comedian on Feb 8, 2007 10:52 AM MST reply actions

He's going to be a special assistant to O'Dowd

And then from there his ambitions are to coach or manage. I'm hoping the Rockies keep a relationship with him as his sway in helping to sign Mexican players will be very beneficial, and also he was one of my favorite players. I know his stats weren't that fantastic offensively in context, but given his defense and his fire, he'll always have a place in my heart.

by Rox Girl on Feb 8, 2007 12:02 PM MST up reply actions

My favorite Vinny moment

I am not exaggerating when I describe this because I was at a perfect angle in right-center to see it. I promise. Anyway, I have no idea what game it was or what year it was even, all I know is it was a night game in the summer and the wind was blowing in from left at a fairly quick pace. Vinny came up and just launched a moon-shot that was OVER the left field fence and STILL GOING UP when it got caught up in the wind and started coming back towards the field. The left fielder caught the ball for an out with his back towards home.

Vinny had that power, and you knew each time he came up there was the potential he could knock the snot out of the baseball. Garrett is on his way, but Vinny will always be the best 3rd baseman for the Rockies in my book.

by Prospector on Feb 8, 2007 12:15 PM MST reply actions

"El Matador"

Maybe the best fastball hitter I've ever seen, and a terrific defensive third baseman to boot. Not a great player, but a great Rockie, and that's something, isn't it?

I remember Vinny having the best hitting music ever - "El Matador" by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, if you're curious.

Die-hard Rockies fan. On the bandwagon since 4/2/93. Not giving up my seat. EVER.

by Franchise26 on Feb 8, 2007 12:44 PM MST reply actions

A great player

I disagree that Vinny was not a great player.

He obviously wasn't a hall of famer but he was a well above average player both offensively and defensively for quite a few years.

His defensive abilities were seriously overlooked by the baseball community, IMO. His cannon of an arm, his ability to come in on balls and his incredible fielding percentages at a position with a ton of chances (and a ton of difficult chances at that) should have earned him more accolades.

by MADness on Feb 8, 2007 3:39 PM MST up reply actions

I agree on his D leaving him underrated

And I never understood the disdane with which he was regarded around the league. While I wouldn't call him great on offense, he was very good at the plate, and his defense pushed him into overall "great"-ness for several seasons. Playing at Coors means that Vinny will definitely be one of the most overlooked players of his time.

by Rox Girl on Feb 8, 2007 3:47 PM MST up reply actions