Exclusive: Colorado Rockies legend Vinny Castilla on his career, future, and grilling

After that ’99 season, though, Castilla was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, which was something that Castilla did not like because he would have to leave what became his home.

"“I didn’t feel too good about that when it happened because I love Denver and I love the fans,” Castilla said. “I think they’re the best fans in the world and when the Rockies traded me away, I felt sad but it’s part of the game. One day, you could be in one place and the next, you’re somewhere else so I took it as a professional and I went on my way."

He did not have the same success that he had in Denver either partially due to injury, which was caused by something that the Rockies don’t have.

"“I had some tough times in Tampa,” said Castilla. “I got hurt there–my back. I never played on artificial turf…everyday before so that surface hurt my back and I wasn’t able to play to my capacity while I was there."

It did not work out for the Rockies either, as you can see by who the Rockies got in the trade

Castilla returned to the Rockies for the first time in 2004 and, later, in 2006, he was very happy to return.

"“I always felt great in Denver,” said Castilla. “I always appreciated what they did for me since I came to the organization. The Rockies were the ones that gave me a chance to establish myself at the major league level. I still live in Denver with my wife and my three boys were born there so when I came back in 2004, it felt like I was coming back home again and I had a great season.”"

In that season, he had his best offensive season since 1998 as he lead the National League in RBI with 131 along with 35 home runs and a 109 OPS+.