Over the 16-year history of the Sioux Falls Canaries, hundreds of players have worn the Birds’ uniform. Most have come and gone as quickly as a passing thought — a handful of at bats, a few innings pitched, then the page turns and today’s second baseman becomes tomorrow’s car salesman in a different town in a different life. But every now and then a player sticks in your memory. Sometimes it’s because they are so good and sometimes it’s because they are such good people, but either way, a certain few players make a bigger imprint during the short time they play baseball in our town.

Benny Castillo is one of those guys. Castillo was a star outfielder for Sioux Falls during the mid-‘90s. Talented, outgoing, and smart, Canaries fans took an immediate shine to him. But unlike most players, Castillo’s life in Sioux Falls did not end with his last at bat. It was just beginning. Toward the end of his career, Castillo met a nice local girl and got married. Before long, he was graduating from Augie and helping out with the baseball team.

In the years that followed, Castillo spent a lot of summers away from Sioux Falls building a coaching and managing resume that had him on the fast track within affiliated baseball. But this summer Castillo decided to return professionally to the place he’s called home since 1996. This time he is looking for a new challenge in a familiar place, rejoining the Canaries as the team’s hitting coach.

More than 10 years have passed since Benny thrilled fans with his exploits on the field, but his passion for the game still burns bright. Check out my interview with him and see why his second act with the Canaries might be as interesting as his first.

Also this month, did you know June 9-15 was National Men’s Health Week? Well, now you do. To get the good word out, we here at Prime are partnering with the South Dakota Department of Health to promote annual physical examinations for men. Check out that article as well and schedule your appointment today.

On the lighter side, Mr. Know It All attempts to amaze you with his predictions around Father’s Day and the U.S. Open. Jason Walton’s At Random cartoon will put a smile on your face, and our golf pro Todd Kolb discusses the importance of ball position (insert joke here). That and much more awaits. Hope all your pitches this month are in the zone.

Cheers,
John