Vinny Castilla
| Birthdate | 7/4/1967 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1991 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Astros, Braves, Nationals, Padres, Rays, Rockies |
| Positions | Shortstop, Third Base |
The all-time home run leader among Mexican-born big leaguers, Vinny Castilla was a two-time All Star who earned two Silver Slugger Awards.
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Vinny Castilla's 320 MLB home runs are by far the most by a player born in Mexico
Vinny Castilla's 320 MLB home runs are by far the most by a player born in Mexico
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Vinny Castilla started playing in his country’s top pro baseball immediately after finishing high school. After three seasons there, the Atlanta Braves purchased his contract in March, 1990.
Castilla reached the big leagues the following year in a 12-game stint with the big club. In 1992 he was back in the minors, save 9 games with the Braves. When the expansion draft came at the end of the ’92 season, Atlanta left him unprotected.
The Rockies plucked him with the 40th overall pick. In Colorado, Castilla found a home. He played 105 games in 1993, primarily at shortstop. The following season Castilla saw his playing time reduced after the acquisition of former Rookie of the Year and World Series champion Walt Weiss. Despite appearing in just 52 contests, he still hit .331 with a .500 slugging percentage.
In ’95 the Rockies opened Coors Field, a park that quickly became one of the most homer-friendly stadiums in baseball history. Situated at 2001 Blake Street, the high-altitude venue helped produce baseball’s second 30-homer quarter.
Hall of Fame right fielder Larry Walker (36 homers), left fielder Dante Bichette (40), first baseman Andres Galarraga (31), and third baseman Castilla (32), each eclipsed the 30-homer mark. Together they were dubbed, “The Blake Street Bombers“.
During the ten-year period from 1995-2004 Castilla hit .286, averaging 29 homers, and 96 RBI per season. The run was highlighted by three consecutive 40-homer campaigns starting in 1996. Castilla’s finest season came in 1998 when he posted career-highs in hits (206), homers (46), RBI (144), on-base percentage (.362), and slugging (.589).
By the time he retired in 2006, the third baseman had eight 20-homer seasons, six 30-homer campaigns, and three years with 40+ dingers. Among Mexican-born big leaguers, his 320 home runs are by far the most in baseball history. Jorge Orta is a distant second with 130.
In the collection is this first day cover postmarked on April 26, 1995 from the Coors Field postal station the day the stadium opened. The envelope is signed by all four members of the Rockies first 30-homer foursome.
Castilla's countryman Fernando Valanzuela has the most wins by a Mexican-born pitcher
Castilla's countryman Fernando Valanzuela has the most wins by a Mexican-born pitcher
While Vinny Castilla holds the record for most homers by a Mexican-born big leaguer, Fernando Valenzuela owns the mark for wins.
The Dodger left-hander took the baseball world by storm, pitching 8 straight shutouts to open his rookie season of 1981. Fans flocked to the stadium as Fernandomania became an American epidemic. By the time the campaign was over, Valenzuela was the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young winner and World Series champion.
The southpaw finished his 17-year career with six All Star selections, four top-5 Cy Young finishes, and two Silver Sluggers. The Dodgers retired the two-time World Series winner’s #34 on August 11, 2023.
His 173 wins put him first among Mexican-born big leaguers. In addition to wins he’s #1 among his countryman in strikeouts, innings pitched, complete games, shutouts and pitchers’ WAR.
This 1981 Topps baseball card displays Jack Perconte, Mike Scioscia, and Valenzuela. It is autographed by each player.
