On behalf of the Tennessee Smokies and Smokies on Radio Network, we wish Starlin Castro a happy 24th birthday today.
The Dominican Republic native played in 57 games with the Smokies in 2009-2010 combining to hit .332 (73-210) with one home run and 34 RBI. Castro skipped the Triple-A level as he was promoted straight from Double-A Tennessee to the Chicago Cubs on May 7th, 2010, and became the every day shortstop. He also became the first Major League player that was born in the 1990s. His Major League career started just about as good as possible on that date, as he became the sixth player in Cubs history and 106th player in MLB history to hit a home run in his first major league at bat, a three-run blast off of Reds right-hander Homer Bailey.
After the 2010 season, Castro was named to Baseball America’s 2010 All-Rookie Team and 2010 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team. In 2011, his first full year with the Cubs he received his first All-Star selection, being one of three shortstops chosen to play for the National League All-Star team. With his selection, Castro became the youngest Cubs player to be named an All-Star in the club’s history. It was not the only honor he received that day, as he was recognized as the National League’s Player of the Month Award honors.
Castro during that 2011 campaign would go on to become the youngest player ever for the Cubs to record 200 hits in a season en route to pacing the NL with 207 hits. He ended the year compiling a .307 average (207-674), adding ten homers and 66 RBI
The next season, Castro would be named an All-Star once again, along with teammate Bryan LaHair. He recorded a .283 mark (692-2449), with 37 home runs and 44 RBI in 264 Major League games for the Cubs.
Andrew Green
smokiesradio
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