Winker 'on Cloud 9' at 1st All-Star Game
Castellanos cherishes time with son at Midsummer Classic
It had been 65 years since two Reds shared the same outfield as All-Star starters when right fielder Nick Castellanos and left fielder Jesse Winker took to the field in Colorado on Tuesday.
Both Cincinnati players went hitless in their first All-Star Game, which was played at Coors Field.
“We just had two guys start in the All-Star Game. That was pretty damn cool, it’s pretty special to be a part of,” Winker said after he exited following his at-bat in the fifth inning.
Castellanos, who was 0-for-2, popped out near first base against Lance Lynn in the second inning and ended the fourth inning vs. Nathan Eovaldi by grounding to shortstop for a double play.
“I was just trying to take it all in and not be so uptight. It’s understanding that this is an honor and it’s a privilege to be here,” Castellanos said after the game. “Obviously, you compete and do the best you can but take it in.”
Winker worked a seven-pitch plate appearance against Lynn for a two-out walk in the second inning.
“I did not fly here to walk, I can tell you that,” Winker said. “I missed a fastball down the middle. I think it was 2-2, I fouled a cutter in and then a fastball down the middle. It was cool, man. Walking is a part of my game, so that’s cool.”
Leading off the fifth inning against Gregory Soto, Winker grounded out to second base.
“I just wanted to hit something hard,” Winker said. “That Soto at-bat was a tough at-bat. He’s got some electric stuff. Everything was awesome, it was my first one and it was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
The last time the Reds had two outfielders start in an All-Star Game was 1956, with Frank Robinson and Gus Bell. The last All-Star Game starter for the Reds was shortstop Zack Cozart in 2017. The last time they had two starters was 2013 -- with first baseman Joey Votto and second baseman Brandon Phillips.
“Getting to see these guys, all the different jerseys, the All-Star logo, seeing all of it get set up and put together, it’s a good honor,” Castellanos said of the atmosphere on Monday.
It had been a long wait to make a Midsummer Classic for Castellanos, who broke into the big leagues with the Tigers in 2013 as a 21-year-old. Speaking on Monday, he described what it meant to him.
“Fulfilling. I’m happy it took this long and success didn’t come easy,” Castellanos said. “I think sometimes when success comes too quickly, you could not learn patience. I think that getting it now at 29, I’m very excited about it but I also think I can put it in its place and not let it dictate how I want to go about my business, per se.”
During the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday and the Red Carpet show, Castellanos and Winker made it a family affair with their kids. Walking with his son, Liam, Castellanos wore a T-shirt with his own likeness that the 7-year old drew for him. Winker walked with his 1-year-old daughter, Wren, and wore a No. 8 Joe Morgan classic Reds jersey to honor the Hall of Fame second baseman who died in October.
“He gave me that for my 29th birthday. He decided that’s what he wanted to draw on a T-shirt,” Castellanos said.
What were his favorite memories from the experience in Colorado?
“I would say having Liam on the field for the Home Run Derby and just the conversations and camaraderie from greats of the game,” Castellanos said. “It’s just the memories that he’s going to be able to have as a kid. Just look at the father-son combination that was on this field. A big part of that is the children believing that this is attainable and it’s real and not just a place you see on TV. To instill those things in him at a young age is really cool because not a lot of kids are able to do that.”
Winker particularly liked being on the field for the Derby.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” he said. “It’s something I watched every summer growing up. Everybody always tuned into the All-Star Game and it was a dream that came true. I’m on Cloud 9 here. It was cool, man. If I ever get another opportunity to come back, I will look forward to that one as well.”
Castellanos and Winker also received cheers from fans when their names were announced during the starting lineup introductions.
“Any time you hear your name called and they cheer for you, that’s what this game is about,” Winker said. “I try not to take any moment for granted. This was a special event, a special time in my career. I wanted to make sure I enjoy it. We’re back to work on Friday.”