Former Rockies star Castilla remains involved in game

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies special front office assistant Vinny Castilla, one of the team's earliest stars, was still smiling and still humble after being inducted into the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame on Feb. 8 in the Dominican Republic.

"That was an honor and a privilege to be around those great Latin American players," Castilla said. "To share that with them was an unbelievable experience for me and my family. It's a great thing they're doing over there. This year was the fifth year they've done that. To be part of that was unbelievable."

Castilla's 1,884 hits and 320 home runs are the most all-time by a Mexican-born player in the Majors. He hit 30 or more home runs in six of his 16 seasons.

To continue spending time with his family, Castilla works with players in Spring Training and when the team is at home. He managed the Mexican team during the 2009 World Baseball Classic and has extensive baseball knowledge. He could be a candidate for full-time coaching, or possibly managing, if he so chooses.

"Let's see what the years bring and what I want to do," Castilla said. "I don't know if I want to go full-time. I want to be involved in the game, definitely. If it happens, it happens, but I enjoy what I'm doing."