SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Vinny Castilla stepped into a batting cage Thursday, his hands in gloves and wrists wrapped, with every intention of getting a hit. But the Rockies’ special adviser, an original member of the Blake Street Bombers, was about to go down swinging.
The University of Wisconsin softball team visited Salt River Fields to take in batting practice and the Rockies’ closed-door morning meeting. Badgers freshman shortstop Lauren Foster is the daughter of Colorado’s pitching coach, Steve Foster.
The team’s visit set up a challenge. Castilla and Rockies scout Doug Bernier, a former major-league shortstop, faced Wisconsin assistant coaches Kierstan Verdun and Taylor-Paige Stewart, pitching to them on a practice field.