Wild Things hire hitting coach with managerial experience
The Wild Things continued to build their coaching staff this week, adding an 11-year professional player and former independent coach and manager and as the team’s hitting coach for 2027.
Washington has hired Benny Castillo, a former fifth-round draft pick, to the coaching staff. Castillo also will have bench coach responsibilities with the Wild Things.
“This is a huge addition for the Washington Wild Things,” said manager Tom Vaeth. “Benny brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our coaching staff, having been a great hitter in his own right during his playing career and then serving as a hitting coach and manager in affiliated and indy ball.
“He has always shown up to the field with a lot of passion and energy and has been willing to spend a lot of time with his players and give them everything he has to help them be the best version of themselves. I can’t wait to watch him go about his work every day and see how much he will improve our offensive games.”
Castillo was drafted in the fifth round by Cleveland in 1986 out of the Community College of Baltimore and again in the 24th round in 1988 by Detroit out of Oklahoma State. He played on Oklahoma State’s 1987 team that advanced to the College World Series.
Over 11 pro seasons, Castillo hit .277 with 73 home runs and 405 RBI in 773 games.
He was manager for Duluth-Superior in 2000 in the independent Northern League and guided the team to a division title and championship series appearance. He later managed Sioux City for two years and in the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers farm systems. Since 2016, Castillo has owned Cool Breeze Baseball Academy in Lakeland, Florida, where he’s been training players and managing the daily operations of the facility.
“I am thankful for this opportunity,” Castillo said. “I’ve been away from this professional baseball circuit for quite a while, but you have no idea of the excitement that is in my heart. Being back on the field again helping young men fulfill their dreams is unreal. Fans should brace themselves for some exciting baseball in 2027.”