Don't know how many people saw this recent New York Daily News story on Mets second baseman Luis Castillo, but it contains a piece of sobering new information about the former Marlins Gold Glover. Castillo revealed for the first time that an older brother died during the 2003 World Series and that the only people he told were a few teammates. Here's an excerpt from Adam Rubin's March 11 story:

In 2003, during the Marlins' second World Series, Castillo's older brother died of a heart attack after a game. Castillo confided in a few teammates but never disclosed anything publicly. Only now is he finally revealing it. He continued playing in the World Series without interruption. Since then, Castillo draws a cross in the dirt behind the catcher before his first at-bat every game.

 

"I felt bad inside," Castillo said. "We were in the World Series and I was in a hard situation. I couldn't miss any games. I didn't tell anybody. If it was in the news, maybe I had to go. That was hard for me. I wanted to go."

 

I've spoken to '03 Marlins manager Jack McKeon, former infielder Andy Fox and then-infield coach Perry Hill about the story, and none of them knew a thing about it. Hill, who was especially close to Castillo (he gave Hill one of the three Gold Glove awards he won with the Marlins), was shocked by the revelation.

 

"That's a stunner," said Hill, who is now the infield coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. "What a burden to carry on such a high stage. I'm trying to think of his demeanor at the time -- Luis is always happy-go-lucky -- but I can't recall noticing anything different. It had to be weighing on his mind. Wow. That's shocking."

 

Though the story doesn't specify when exactly his brother died, it could help to explain Castillo's poor offensive showing in the '03 Series He hit just .154 (4 for 26), did not draw any walks, struck out seven times, and scored only one run. True to form, though, Castillo did not commit any fielding errors.

 

 

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/fish_bytes/...03-series-.html

WOW

Thats crazy!!!

Uhhh. I know he was a big part of the team, but if your brother dies I don't care if its game 7 you go see your f***ing family. I don't understand how its a choice to play baseball or go be with your brother/family, world series or not.

People here were counting on him, that's what you need to understand to understand his thoughts. He put others above himself.

You have to go to the World Series. It only happen by average once every 16 years for an NL team. Though I wat to know is there any health record that support this is true, and did Castillo really disclose this information now or it was leak by accident.

You have to go to the World Series. It only happen by average once every 16 years for an NL team. Though I wat to know is there any health record that support this is true, and did Castillo really disclose this information now or it was leak by accident.

 

Yes, let's do some digging here and verify that his brother really did die. You've got issues.

It's consistent with the way Luis conducted himself the whole time he was here. Never bitched or complained. Played hurt. Did his job. That's why he is my favorite Marlin. To slam him for not going down there is ridiculous. If he was my brother I'd have wanted him to play.

I read this online a few weeks ago. It was a great article on him restoring his career this year.

Uhhh. I know he was a big part of the team, but if your brother dies I don't care if its game 7 you go see your f***ing family. I don't understand how its a choice to play baseball or go be with your brother/family, world series or not.

Who are you to say? He had his team, who he worked hard with for an entire season, counting on him. They were like family to him as well. I'll echo the statement above- his brother would have wanted him to play. All he had proven was that he lives in the moment, for that day- his brother was gone,no bringing him back, and I'm sure with him at heart the whole time while winning the world series.

You have to go to the World Series. It only happen by average once every 16 years for an NL team. Though I wat to know is there any health record that support this is true, and did Castillo really disclose this information now or it was leak by accident.

 

Yes, let's do some digging here and verify that his brother really did die. You've got issues.

Tell that to my college teacher, cause she always say state your sources.