1955 - 2014 (Age 59)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bobby Castillo, a former Dodgers and Minnesota Twins pitcher credited with teaching Fernando Valenzuela how to throw a screwball, died Monday in a Los Angeles hospital after a battle with cancer, the team announced. He was 59.
Castillo, also affectionately known as "Babo," pitched for the Dodgers from 1977-81, including in the 1981 National League Championship Series and the 1981 World Series, and in 1985, his last season in the majors. The right-hander was with the Twins from 1982 to 1984.
Valenzuela called Castillo a great teammate and friend in a statement released through the Dodgers, adding: "I'll always be grateful for his influence on my pitching."
Castillo made his major league debut for the Dodgers on Sept. 19, 1977, retiring Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for his first big league out.
Funeral services are pending.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
My sincere condolences to All the Family. Mr. Castillos parents were our neighbors when we lived on Sierra St. in LA. Amazing people! I remember when Mr. Bobby would visit his parents and take ice cream to all the kids in the neighborhood. RIP Mr. Bobby Castillo
Gloria
November 11, 2025 | Other
FROM EVERYONE IN "HAPPY VALLEY" R.I.P BABO
H VALLE
August 14, 2025 | HAPPY VALLEY, CA | Friend
I'm sorry to realize that Babo Castillo is no longer with us. He was good to me when I was trying out for the Monterrey Sultanes, he was welcoming to me and after all these years I still remember Castillo's good heart towards me. The only reason I got to try out was because I was from Kentucky and I asked the head coach of the team, Derek Bryant, from Lexington Kentucky, and Derek was cool enough to grant me a try out even though I really didn't belong on the field with the professional...
Kim Winters
October 26, 2024 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
June 24, 2024 Dearest Robert, What a Beautiful gift to have Your Beloved Mom join you your Dad & Lorraine in Heaven close to the date of your Angel Day 6/29/2014 Ten Years how the time has gone by so quickly. I will miss your Mom just as much I have missed Lorraine & your Dad. Who would have thought that when we met Valentines weekend in 1975 I´d still be part of your life in 2024 and that 24 year old young lady Me will be 74 in a few weeks. Your Celebration of life was on July 8, 2014 My...
Graciela Ruby Santana
June 24, 2024 | Friend
Homeboy from Happy Valley! Miss buying our quarts of Budweiser and going to "200's". overlooking Dodger Stadium
Knarf NIATSUGNA
August 19, 2023 | El Sereno, CA | Friend
You will always be my love and my Knucklehead. Miss you so very much. Last time we talked, you said I love you ! I still feel it
Bonnie Stuart
June 28, 2021 | CA | Friend
Babo was a hero in Happy Valley!
Rudy Neria
June 06, 2021 | El Sereno, CA | Neighbor
Hey Bobby, I never knew you but my Parents sure did because they attended Lincoln HS with you. They told me about you and I was so happy that a Dodger Pitcher was a classmate of my Parents. I know its been a while since you went to be with the Lord, but even to this day you are still admired and respected by me as well as others because of the man you were. Your Family are very blessed to call you their own. You are never forgotten Mr. Castillo!
Rob C
November 25, 2020 | Lincoln Heights, CA | Friend
Valenda Newell
September 25, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN