Third-string catchers come and go but few ever make headlines.
At the ripe old age of 34, Wilkin Castillo is now an exception to that rule.
Wilkin Castillo, Miami’s latest hero, first came up in 2009. Credit: Topps
A switch-hitting backstop from the Dominican Republic, Castillo collected his first hit in more than 10 years Saturday to spark a 5-3 Miami win over slumping Philadelphia.
Maybe the long layoff did him some good.
While the Phillies lost their sixth straight and fell a season-high five-and-a-half games out of first place in the NL East, Castillo went in the opposite direction.
Filling in for the injured Jorge Alfaro, Castillo clobbered a two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park.
“It was indescribable,” Castillo said after the game with the help of an interpreter. “It’s a lot of effort playing winter ball in the Dominican League, the Mexican League, the minor leagues for 10 years. So just being up here and see things happening, I thank God, and I thank the Marlins for giving me the opportunity to be here at the major league level.”
The June 22 game was his first since June 20, 2009, when his shoulder blew out while he pinch-hit a single at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Medical tests revealed a torn right labrum.
The hit in Philadelphia Saturday was much more satisfying, not only because of the drought between big-league appearances but also because it put his team ahead. It was the climax of a three-run outburst.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Castillo is the only man in baseball history with an RBI streak spreading at least a decade.
He’s also the first man to extend a hitting streak over 10 years since Ray Schalk compiled a four-game streak from Sept. 17, 1932, to April 19, 1944.
Castillo’s streak stood at three entering play Sunday.
After his 1-for-4 performance in Citizens Bank Park Saturday, Castillo boosted his lifetime batting average to .308, with 12 hits in 39 at-bats. He’s scored six runs and knocked in four.
With the notable exception of fellow Dominican Julio Franco, whose career was resurrected after his rescue from the Mexican League, few players persevere so long in obscurity.
Castillo’s minor-league odyssey, like Franco’s, includes several countries and more cities than a Southwest Airlines flight schedule. The list includes Dominican and
Backstop is back: out of the majors more than 10 years, he had a big hit Saturday in Philadelphia
Credit: Miami Marlins
Mexican leagues and such independent teams as the Long Island Ducks, not to mention minor-league affiliates of eight different organizations.
His shoulder obviously healed, he showed a strong arm in the minor leagues, even making a handful of pitching appearances when his team needed him.
Castillo admitted afterward it felt strange to step foot on a major-league field again after 3,654 days.
“Once I squatted behind home plate, I felt weird,” he told reporters. “It was something out-of-body, just being there and the whole scenario. But once we got the first batter, I started feeling more comfortable and ready for everything.”
Castillo, who turns 35 before the end of the year, teamed with another rookie Latino to win the game for the Marlins. Jose Quijada, a Venezuelan lefthander most recently Castillo’s Triple-A teammate in New Orleans, earned his first save by inducing a bases-loaded pop-out.
“I’m really happy for Wilkin,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said in the happy clubhouse after the Saturday game. “There are a lot of guys out there who get a taste of the majors, then something happens and they try to fight their way back. It tells you a lot about guys when they hang in there.”
The only players still in the majors from Castillo’s first game are Jay Bruce, who played against him in Philadelphia Saturday, and Gordon Beckham, now with the Detroit Tigers. Bruce has played 1,399 games since.
“It’s been a lot of bus trips, a lot of spring trainings, and a lot of work,” Mattingly said of the backstop, who now ranks as the oldest rookie now active in the majors. “He’s just put in a ton of work to get back.”
Read the Full Guide
July 25, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Dan Schlossberg
July 25, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Thank you for taking the time to read my column on the rookie catcher who did so well. Dan Schlossberg
kfz sachverständigenbüro
August 1, 2019 at 3:48 am
I intended to send you a very small observation to say thanks the moment again on the awesome thoughts you’ve featured in this article. It has been so shockingly generous with you to provide publicly what many individuals would’ve sold for an electronic book to end up making some bucks for themselves, particularly considering the fact that you could have tried it if you ever desired. The thoughts likewise served to become a fantastic way to know that other people have the identical zeal the same as mine to see a good deal more when considering this condition. I’m certain there are millions of more pleasant times in the future for individuals that read through your website.
Visit This Link
August 4, 2019 at 4:22 am
I keep listening to the news update speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?
Going Here
August 4, 2019 at 5:13 am
Keep functioning ,remarkable job!
Home Page
August 4, 2019 at 5:15 am
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
visit
August 4, 2019 at 5:17 am
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Discover More
August 4, 2019 at 6:11 am
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my web site =). We may have a link change arrangement between us!
Homepage
August 4, 2019 at 6:12 am
Great write-up, I¡¦m regular visitor of one¡¦s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
visit
August 4, 2019 at 8:28 am
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.
visit here
August 4, 2019 at 8:31 am
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
Go Here
August 4, 2019 at 8:37 am
My husband and i felt now lucky that Raymond could round up his research out of the ideas he came across using your web site. It’s not at all simplistic just to choose to be giving freely strategies people today may have been making money from. And we also figure out we’ve got you to be grateful to for that. All of the explanations you made, the easy web site menu, the relationships you help instill – it’s most sensational, and it’s really letting our son in addition to us believe that that situation is pleasurable, and that’s extremely important. Thanks for everything!
Going Here
August 4, 2019 at 9:24 am
Thank you for any other wonderful post. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.
Discover More
August 4, 2019 at 9:28 am
I truly wanted to post a brief comment to be able to thank you for some of the lovely pointers you are sharing at this site. My incredibly long internet search has at the end of the day been honored with excellent facts and techniques to share with my good friends. I ‘d express that most of us site visitors are really lucky to exist in a wonderful site with so many special people with insightful tips and hints. I feel rather blessed to have come across your site and look forward to so many more entertaining moments reading here. Thanks a lot once more for all the details.
Read This
August 4, 2019 at 9:59 am
Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!
Dan Schlossberg
August 4, 2019 at 2:09 pm
Sorry my Wilkin Castillo blog didn’t hit a literary home run but appreciate your comments about my past work and hope future writings measure up.
read more
August 4, 2019 at 10:22 am
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
Discover More Here
August 4, 2019 at 10:24 am
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful
Discover More
August 4, 2019 at 11:14 am
Definitely, what a splendid blog and illuminating posts, I surely will bookmark your site.All the Best!
Read This
August 4, 2019 at 11:19 am
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
view source
August 4, 2019 at 11:20 am
Wow! Thank you! I constantly wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my website?
Read More Here
August 4, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
Visit Website
August 4, 2019 at 12:16 pm
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent process on this subject!
view source
August 4, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you made blogging glance easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!
best windshield replacement
August 28, 2019 at 9:08 am
hello!,I like your writing very much! percentage we be in contact extra about your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Having a look forward to peer you.
mobile home movers
August 28, 2019 at 9:11 am
I¡¦ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time
home care services
August 28, 2019 at 9:29 am
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent process on this subject!
girling health care
August 28, 2019 at 9:35 am
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
cost replace windshield
August 28, 2019 at 10:32 am
You can definitely see your expertise within the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Visit Website
August 28, 2019 at 10:35 am
I have been reading out many of your stories and i can state clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.
car windshield
August 28, 2019 at 10:37 am
I simply wanted to say thanks again. I’m not certain the things I would’ve carried out in the absence of these points provided by you regarding such field. It was before a real daunting difficulty in my view, nevertheless considering the very skilled style you treated the issue took me to jump with fulfillment. Extremely grateful for the advice and then expect you comprehend what a great job that you’re putting in training the rest all through your site. Most likely you’ve never met all of us.
tree trimming equipment
August 29, 2019 at 1:47 am
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
tree removal houston tx
August 29, 2019 at 1:54 am
Hello.This post was extremely interesting, particularly because I was looking for thoughts on this topic last Thursday.
Read This
August 29, 2019 at 4:37 am
I¡¦ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i¡¦m happy to exhibit that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most indisputably will make certain to don¡¦t put out of your mind this web site and give it a glance regularly.
learn more
August 29, 2019 at 4:43 am
I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top web sites are full of garbage.
Read This
August 29, 2019 at 6:04 am
What i do not understood is actually how you are not really a lot more well-favored than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably on the subject of this matter, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women are not involved until it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. At all times maintain it up!
click here
August 29, 2019 at 6:10 am
My husband and i felt now lucky that Raymond could round up his research out of the ideas he came across using your web site. It’s not at all simplistic just to choose to be giving freely strategies people today may have been making money from. And we also figure out we’ve got you to be grateful to for that. All of the explanations you made, the easy web site menu, the relationships you help instill – it’s most sensational, and it’s really letting our son in addition to us believe that that situation is pleasurable, and that’s extremely important. Thanks for everything!
Learn More
August 29, 2019 at 6:30 am
magnificent issues altogether, you just received a logo new reader. What may you recommend about your put up that you simply made a few days ago? Any certain?
website
August 29, 2019 at 6:35 am
Thanks for another informative blog. The place else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect means? I’ve a project that I’m simply now working on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.
Going Here
August 31, 2019 at 5:39 am
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.
Web Site
August 31, 2019 at 5:44 am
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent process on this subject!
click here
September 1, 2019 at 12:02 am
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Get More Info
September 1, 2019 at 12:03 am
As I web-site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling fantastic , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
Web Site
September 1, 2019 at 12:07 am
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful
Read This
September 1, 2019 at 12:09 am
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.
Visit Website
September 1, 2019 at 5:57 am
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Discover More Here
September 1, 2019 at 6:03 am
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great article.
learn more
September 1, 2019 at 6:29 am
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
Visit Website
September 2, 2019 at 2:14 am
Thank you for any other wonderful post. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.
Find Out More
September 2, 2019 at 2:19 am
Awsome blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also
Website
September 2, 2019 at 3:16 am
hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
Web Site
September 2, 2019 at 4:58 am
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
get more info
September 3, 2019 at 2:24 am
I am constantly searching online for ideas that can facilitate me. Thanks!
visit
September 3, 2019 at 2:25 am
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
read more
September 3, 2019 at 2:29 am
magnificent submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector do not understand this. You must proceed your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!
Read This
September 3, 2019 at 2:30 am
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
get more info
September 3, 2019 at 6:34 am
I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It¡¦s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet can be much more useful than ever before.
Clicking Here
September 3, 2019 at 7:03 am
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
Ian Shortall songwriter
April 2, 2020 at 10:27 am
what a great read!
Julio Pabón
April 2, 2020 at 10:47 am
Thanks
Julio Pabón
April 24, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Thanks