Frank Castillo was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on April 1, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, and grew up in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Castillo attended Eastwood High School in El Paso, where he played baseball and was a standout player. He was later drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round of the 1987 MLB draft.
Castillo made his MLB debut on June 27, 1991, for the Chicago Cubs against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played for the Cubs for eight seasons, from 1991 to 1997 and again in 2000 and 2002. During his time with the Cubs, Castillo was known for his consistency and durability as a starting pitcher. He had a career record of 82-104 with a 4.56 ERA and 1,001 strikeouts in 1,578 innings pitched.
In 1998, Castillo signed with the Colorado Rockies as a free agent. He played for the Rockies for two seasons, from 1998 to 1999, and had a record of 14-20 with a 5.42 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 282 innings pitched. Castillo then played for the Detroit Tigers in 2001, the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003, and the Florida Marlins in 2004. He finished his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox in 2005.
Throughout his career, Castillo was known for his fastball, curveball, and changeup. He was also known for his ability to pitch deep into games and his competitiveness on the mound. Castillo was a two-time National League Player of the Week and was named the Cubs' Pitcher of the Year in 1995.
Off the field, Castillo was known for his friendly personality and his love for his family. He was married to his wife, Yvonne, for over 20 years, and they had three children together. Castillo was also known for his involvement in charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
Tragically, Castillo passed away on July 28, 2013, at the age of 44. He drowned while swimming with his family in a lake near his home in Arizona. Castillo's death was a shock to the baseball community, and he was remembered as a beloved teammate and friend. His legacy as a hardworking and dedicated player lives on, and he will always be remembered as a talented pitcher who gave his all on the field.
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