February 08, 2007
Castilla Ends on a Win
Vinny Castilla retired yesterday after Mexico picked up their only win in the Caribbean Series.
Castilla played first base in Mexico's 4-3 victory over Venezuela on the last day of the Caribbean Series. He went 1-for-4, with a double and a run scored.
"I knew it was my last game, but I got emotional when I came to the park and all my teammates came to congratulate me," the 39-year old slugger said while trying to hold back tears after the game.
"When the players from the other countries hugged me after the game, I couldn't hold back the tears. I felt very emotional and proud for all my accomplishment."
Castilla is Mexico's all-time leading home-run hitter in the majors, with 320 homers in a 16-season career with Atlanta, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Houston, Washington and San Diego.
Colorado claimed him off waivers last season so he could retire in a Rockies uniform.
During his five seasons as the staring third baseman for the Rockes (1995-1999), Castilla ranked third in hits in the majors, beaten only by his teammate Dante Bichette and Craig Biggio. It's not surprising he wanted to go out as a Rocky.
Posted by David Pinto at
08:51 AM
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