Baseball - Vinny Castilla Announces His Retirement

Vinny Castilla has official announced his retirement from baseball. He played his last game more than four months ago. In that game, Castilla played first base and Mexico defeated Venezuela 4-3. This was the last day of the Caribbean Series. Castilla went for 1 for 4, with a double and a run scored.

Castilla said that he knew that particular game was his last game but he got emotional after all his teammates congratulated him. Castilla is 39 years old and he said that when he was hugged by players from other countries, he just could hold back his tears. He further added that he was proud of his achievements in baseball.

Castilla has been playing baseball for 16 season and he is Mexico’s highest home run hitter in the majors. Castilla has played for Atlanta, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Houston, Washington and San Diego.

Colorado claimed Castilla off waivers last season to ensure that he retires in a Rockies uniform. Castilla had his best playing years with the Rockies from 1996 to 1999 when he hit more than 30 homeruns with 100 RBIs. However, his best year was in 1999 when he averaged .319, with 46 homeruns and 144 RBIs. This was his career high.

During the Caribbean Series, Castilla had announced that he would be working as a special assistant to Dan O’Dowd, Rockies general manager, and would either opt for a coaching or managing career in the future.

Castilla could not hold back his tears when he announced his retirement. He was very upset about leaving the sport he loves a lot. He said that he was leaving everything on the field and that he had always respected the game.