Dimitri Castro

I’m Dimitri, I play all infield positions and I currently reside in Fremont California. I have been playing slowpitch for 4 years and I play for multiple competitive teams such as Thunder Buddies, Bag to Bag, Cali Gold, and Just Blaze.

I got into slowpitch when a friend from high school invited me to play in a league night game with his Dad’s team. What started as just a casual invite quickly turned into something more. My first actual team was the Thunder Buddies, and I got hooked when I experienced firsthand how much fun it was to compete alongside my friends again, just like we did back in high school. I realized I truly loved the game the moment I hit my first slowpitch softball home run. There’s nothing like that feeling off the bat. It became competitive for me when I started running my own tournament team and took on the responsibility of building something bigger than just showing up to play. What keeps me coming back every season is the incredible support from the community and the bond with my teammates that the game continues to create year after year.

I’ve been fortunate to compete in major tournaments like the Challenge Cup in 2025 and 2026, experiences that elevated my game and mindset. My proudest slowpitch moment was winning the Las Vegas Worlds Championship. My favorite game that I’ll never forget is when my team walked it off in the championship after being down eight runs in the bottom of the 7th inning. I’ve also earned a second-place finish at USSSA Nor Cal States, placed second in a home run derby, and was honored as All-Tourney at Hispanic Worlds. A season that changed everything for me was when I got selected to my first Challenge Cup; it opened up so many opportunities on and off the field and showed me I belonged at that level. Beyond playing, I take pride in coaching my tournament team and mentoring young athletes, helping grow the next generation of competitors while continuing to push myself to be better every year.

Slowpitch means so much more to me than wins and losses because at the end of the day, I just want to compete, make positive connections with others and have fun. The community, the friendships, the travel, and the competition all matter to me just as much as the scoreboard. Some of my best memories have come from the people I’ve met and the friendships built through this game. What keeps me motivated year after year is my faith in Jesus Christ and the perspective it gives me, along with the incredible blessing of representing a historic brand. I don’t take those opportunities lightly, and they push me to give my best on and off the field every season.

I first swung a Louisville Slugger Slowpitch Bat in 2022, and from the beginning it just felt different. I choose Slugger because they gave me a chance, and that loyalty means everything to me. What I trust most about the bats is the durability and the history and there’s nothing like that signature sound, and knowing the legacy behind the brand adds another level of pride every time I step in the box. To me, Slugger represents longevity, professionalism, and power. I was also one of the first players to really utilize social media consistently while swinging the Lou, helping showcase what the brand stands for. My gamer bat right now is the Valkyrie 26 oz with a 13-inch barrel and .5 oz end load, and what sets Slugger apart for me is their willingness to adapt with the game while staying true to who they are.

Off the field, I’m a physical education teacher, which allows me to stay connected to sports and positively impact the next generation every day. I’m also the oldest of four siblings, so leadership and responsibility have always been part of who I am. Outside of work and softball, I enjoy collecting shoes and cards. It's a hobby that lets me unwind and appreciate the culture behind sports. I stay committed to my training by getting in the gym at least five times a week, making sure I’m physically prepared for the demands of competition. Balancing life and ball takes love, hard work, and a strong foundation in my faith, and that mindset helps me stay grounded while chasing my goals on and off the field. I am thankful for the support from my Fiance. Without her none of this is possible.

My biggest piece of advice is to always give back to the game that gives you so much. For new players, have fun first and really decide if you want to take it more seriously or not because softball is for everyone, and there’s a place for you at any level. For competitive players chasing the next step, put in the work. Practice, take BP, and sharpen your skills consistently. You can always tell who’s putting in the extra effort when it matters most. Something I wish I knew earlier is how many opportunities there were to travel and build a following through slowpitch. When I stopped playing baseball, I had all these skills I had worked on my entire life, and I’m grateful I found this game because it’s allowed me to use them to make a positive impact in the slowpitch softball community.