Today In Brewer History: Happy Birthday, Bill Castro

On this day in 1952 William Radhames "Bill" Castro was born in Santiago in the Dominican Republic. He was 18 when the Brewers signed him as an amateur free agent in 1970 and 22 when he made his big league debut in August of 1974.

Castro pitched seven seasons for the Brewers, making five starts and 248 relief appearances and posting a 2.96 ERA over 411 innings. Those 248 games in relief are the sixth most in franchise history, although John Axford (who is currently 10th with 206) may pass him this season.

Castro left the Brewers as a free agent following the 1980 season but returned as a scout in 1985, became a coach for the first time in 1989 and was on the major league staff as a bullpen or pitching coach from 1992-2009. He's currently working as the Orioles' bullpen coach.

Thanks to the B-Ref Play Index for reminding me that Castro turns 61 today. We'd also like to wish a happy birthday to:

• 2003-04 and 2006 Brewer Dan Kolb, who turns 38. We covered his birthday in this space last year.
• 1999 and 2002 Brewer Alex Ochoa, who turns 41.
• 1993 Brewer Juan Bell, who turns 45.
• 1983-84 Brewer Tom Tellman, who turns 59.