Bobby Castillo – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bobby Castillo put together a solid nine-season run in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher from 1977 to 1985. Folks called him “Babo,” and he spent most of his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a stop in Minnesota squeezed between two stretches in Dodger blue.

Castillo hung up his cleats in 1985 after finishing his last season with the Dodgers. By then, he’d played in 252 games, struck out 434 batters, and picked up a World Series ring in 1981.

His baseball journey took him from the bright lights of LA to the Midwest with the Minnesota Twins, then back home for one final campaign.

Castillo did more than just play the game. He made a mark on baseball history by mentoring Fernando Valenzuela, teaching him that famous screwball. That pitch would define Valenzuela’s career.

His story has it all—World Series highs, the grind of changing teams, and those personal bonds that really shape a player’s legacy.

Early Life And Background

Bobby Castillo was born on April 18, 1955, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up loving baseball from a young age.

His path from LA neighborhoods to professional baseball started with strong family support and schools that nurtured his athletic side.

Family And Childhood In Los Angeles

Robert Ernie Castillo Jr., or “Babo” to those close to him, spent his childhood in LA during the 1960s and early ’70s. Back then, the Dodgers were a huge inspiration for local kids dreaming of the big leagues.

Bobby’s family gave him plenty of encouragement to chase his sports interests. Growing up in Los Angeles meant he could jump into a bunch of youth baseball leagues that were everywhere in Southern California.

The nickname “Babo” stuck with him all the way through his career. His tight-knit family helped him build a strong work ethic and a real dedication to baseball.

Education And High School Baseball

Bobby went to local LA schools, where he started to hone his pitching skills. Those high school years were key for laying the groundwork for his future in the sport.

He showed off his right-handed pitching talent during high school, and scouts started to take notice. College recruiters and baseball evaluators kept an eye on his progress.

Playing in the tough LA high school baseball scene helped him get ready for the next level. His coaches saw his potential and pushed him to keep going after graduation.

College Baseball At Los Angeles Valley College

Bobby kept working on his game at Los Angeles Valley College, a community college with a reputation for strong athletics. He got the chance to fine-tune his pitching and face some solid competition there.

Experienced coaches at the college helped him polish the skills that would eventually open doors to the pros. The program sent plenty of players on to bigger schools or pro ball.

His time at Valley College really set him up for his next step. Scouts started paying more attention once they saw him on the mound.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Bobby Castillo pitched for nine seasons in the majors from 1977 to 1985, mostly as a reliever for the Dodgers and the Minnesota Twins. He racked up 38 wins, 40 losses, and a 3.94 ERA over 252 games.

MLB Debut With The Los Angeles Dodgers

Bobby Castillo broke into the big leagues on September 10, 1977, with the Dodgers at age 22. Born and raised in LA, he got to start his pro career right at home.

He joined the Dodgers in the late ’70s, just as they were putting together a really competitive roster. That debut kicked off a nine-year MLB career.

In his early years with Los Angeles, Castillo became a reliable bullpen arm. He spent 1977 to 1981 with the Dodgers, learning what it takes to succeed at the top level.

Role As A Pitcher And Playing Style

Castillo mainly worked out of the bullpen for both the Dodgers and Twins. He threw and hit right-handed, sticking to a consistent approach on the mound.

One of his biggest contributions to baseball came when he taught Fernando Valenzuela the screwball. That pitch ended up changing Dodgers history.

But Castillo did more than just pitch well. He brought veteran leadership to the bullpen and helped hold the team together during some big seasons.

His knack for handling relief situations made him a valuable piece during playoff pushes. Experience and baseball smarts really mattered when the pressure ramped up.

Key MLB Accomplishments And Statistics

Castillo finished his career with 38 wins, 40 losses, and 434 strikeouts in 252 games. A 3.94 ERA is nothing to sneeze at for a reliever.

The highlight came in 1981 when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. He pitched an inning in the bullpen during that Series against the Yankees.

He also pitched in the 1981 National League Championship Series. Those playoff outings brought him onto baseball’s biggest stage.

After his stint with the Twins from 1982 to 1984, Castillo came back to LA for one last season in 1985. He made his final MLB appearance on October 4, 1985, wrapping up a career that lasted nearly a decade.

Seasons With The Los Angeles Dodgers

Bobby Castillo played six seasons with the Dodgers, split between 1977-1981 and a return in 1985. He gave them steady relief pitching, a World Series title in 1981, and a big hand in Fernando Valenzuela’s development.

Notable Performances And Seasons

Castillo made his debut on September 10, 1977, coming out of the bullpen at Riverfront Stadium. He relieved Doug Rau in the fifth inning, kicking off his major league career.

From 1977 to 1981, he became a go-to guy in the Dodgers’ bullpen. He posted a 13-14 record, 18 saves, and a 3.42 ERA over five seasons.

His best years came in the late ’70s and early ’80s. That consistency made him a real asset to the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

After three seasons with the Twins, Castillo returned to LA in 1985. That year marked the end of his MLB playing days, with his last game on October 4, 1985.

Playoff And World Series Appearances

Castillo made a real impact in the 1981 postseason. He pitched twice in relief during the playoff run that led to a World Series win.

In the 1981 World Series against the Yankees, Castillo threw an inning out of the bullpen. That effort helped the Dodgers claim their first title since 1965.

The 1981 championship was the high point of his Dodgers career. His steady work out of the bullpen gave the team some much-needed depth during that run.

Influence On Teammates, Including Fernando Valenzuela

Castillo left a real legacy with the Dodgers by mentoring Fernando Valenzuela. He taught Valenzuela how to throw the screwball, which turned into Valenzuela’s trademark pitch.

That teaching moment changed things for both players—and the team. Valenzuela’s screwball, learned from Castillo, sparked “Fernandomania” and a whole new chapter in Dodgers history.

Passing along the screwball was one of the most important moments in Dodgers pitching lore. Valenzuela’s success with the pitch made both players stand out even more.

Castillo’s willingness to help younger teammates showed his value went way beyond his own stats. His influence on Valenzuela’s rise created a lasting bond between their careers.

Time With The Minnesota Twins

After the 1981 World Series win, Bobby Castillo joined the Minnesota Twins. He spent three seasons there, from 1982 to 1984, facing some early struggles but also putting together his best year as a starter.

Transition To The American League

Castillo’s move to the American League started off rough. He gave up five runs in his first relief outing for the Twins in 1982. Just a week later, he allowed four more in another game.

Things weren’t going well, so the Twins shifted him from the bullpen to the starting rotation in late May. Injuries and poor performances among the starters forced their hand.

Surprisingly, Castillo settled in as a starter. He got comfortable pitching deeper into games instead of just coming out of the pen.

His experience with the Dodgers helped him adjust to new hitters in the American League. He brought a lot of know-how from his National League days.

Highlights And Memorable Games

The 1982 season was his best with the Twins. He went 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA over 218.2 innings, making 25 starts and 15 relief appearances.

On September 10, 1982, he tossed a four-hit shutout against the Kansas City Royals. That game was probably his most impressive performance.

Castillo finished six complete games that year, which was unusual for him since he mostly pitched in relief. Those outings showed he could handle a heavy workload.

He stood out on a Twins team that lost 102 games that season. His solid pitching was a rare bright spot.

In 1983, he slipped to 8-12 with a 4.77 ERA. Injuries limited him to just 25.1 innings in 1984, but he still posted a strong 1.78 ERA when healthy.

Retirement And Post-Playing Legacy

Bobby Castillo walked away from pro baseball in 1985 after nine seasons with the Dodgers and Twins. He finished playing, but his legacy kept growing thanks to his community work and his role in teaching Fernando Valenzuela the screwball.

Retirement In 1985

Castillo wrapped up his career in 1985, returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers after his time with the Twins. He ended up with 38 wins and 40 losses in 252 games.

His career ERA was 3.94. He pitched in 173 games for the Dodgers and 77 for the Twins during his nine years in the majors.

He had some standout seasons, like 1980 when he posted a 2.75 ERA in 61 relief appearances for Los Angeles. In 1982 with Minnesota, he put up a 3.66 ERA over 40 games.

Bobby Castillo struck out 434 batters in his career. His first big league strikeout came against Hall of Famer Johnny Bench during his debut on September 19, 1977.

Community Involvement And Mentoring

After retiring, Castillo stayed involved in Los Angeles baseball circles through community programs. He spent years joining Dodger-sponsored community initiatives after his playing days.

Castillo always took pride in his Latino heritage. He encouraged young players to chase their dreams, working directly with kids in the community and sharing what he’d learned about the game.

People loved seeing him at community events. His sense of humor and upbeat attitude made him a favorite.

Even after a stroke, Castillo didn’t lose his optimism. He kept showing up for fans and stayed engaged with everyone.

He showed up at baseball exhibitions and museums too. I remember he visited the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo for a video, part of the “Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game” exhibition.

Lasting Impact On Baseball And Los Angeles

Castillo made his biggest mark on baseball by teaching Fernando Valenzuela the screwball. That pitch helped Valenzuela win both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season, which is just wild.

In 1981, Valenzuela started 8-0 with five shutouts, and Castillo watched from the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen. You could really see how much his teaching mattered.

Scout Mike Brito discovered Castillo during a 1975 semipro game at Evergreen Park in East Los Angeles. That moment set off a chain of events—Brito later scouted Valenzuela, and Castillo taught him the crucial third pitch.

Bobby Castillo died on June 30, 2014, at age 59 after fighting cancer. The players he guided and the community work he did keep his legacy going strong.

Personal Life And Remembering Bobby Castillo

Bobby Castillo always kept close ties to his Los Angeles roots. He left a real mark on the baseball community with his humor and mentorship.

He passed away in 2014 after a fight with cancer, but his legacy stretches way beyond his playing days.

Family And Personal Relationships

Bobby Castillo grew up in East Los Angeles and went to Lincoln High School. That’s where his baseball story really began.

He never lost touch with his local community, no matter where baseball took him.

Friends and teammates called him “Babo”. People remember him for his infectious humor—he always had a joke ready and could lighten any mood.

After a stroke a few years before he died, Castillo kept his wit sharp during recovery. He even joked about relearning to walk and figuring out how to cheat at golf again.

Castillo took real pride in his Latino heritage. He pushed young people in the community to go after their dreams and stick with their goals.

He never felt jealous of Fernando Valenzuela’s huge success in 1981. Instead, Castillo showed real empathy, understanding how tough it was for Valenzuela to go anywhere in public without getting swarmed by fans.

Passing And Tributes

Bobby Castillo died on June 30, 2014, at age 59. He spent his last days in a Los Angeles hospital, fighting cancer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers shared the news and remembered him as someone who really cared about team-sponsored community programs. He kept working with the organization even after his playing days were over.

You can spot Castillo in a video at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. It’s part of the “Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game” exhibition, which highlights players like Valenzuela, Jackie Robinson, and Tommy Lasorda.

His legacy goes way beyond numbers on a stat sheet. Most people will remember him for teaching Fernando Valenzuela the screwball pitch, which honestly changed the course of Dodgers history.

The baseball community truly felt his loss. He brought humor, community involvement, and a genuine eagerness to help others shine.