Ruben Castro ended his tenure with the Capitales de Québec under a wave of emotion at Stade Canac, stepping off the field to a prolonged standing ovation from local supporters during the final stages of the team’s postseason exit.
According to reports from Le Journal de Montréal, the catcher walked off the diamond in the ninth inning of the deciding game in a best-of-three series against the Boulders after the match slipped out of reach for Québec. Supporters packed into the stands chanted his name, offering a final tribute to a player who spent six seasons with the organization and captured multiple series MVP honors.
A Final Farewell at Stade Canac
Earlier in the summer, Castro informed the front office that he would not return to the Capitales for the 2027 campaign. When the team faced elimination in the third game of their postseason series, manager Patrick Scalabrini orchestrated a substitution in the final frame to ensure the home crowd could properly honor the departing star.
As Castro removed his gear and headed toward the dugout, fans drowned out the disappointment of the scoreboard by chanting his name repeatedly. Scalabrini noted after the final out that while he initially hoped to orchestrate a happier offensive moment for the veteran, the impromptu farewell resonated deeply with everyone inside the ballpark.
“I hadn’t imagined it that way,” Scalabrini told reporters through team media channels. “I didn’t really know how to make sure we could pay tribute to him in front of our fans one last time. I would have preferred that he hit a home run and we pulled him from the game, but he was happy. I talked to him about it and he jumped on the moment.”
Six Seasons and Lasting Impact in Québec
Castro concluded his final regular season with the Capitales holding a .311 batting average, cementing a reputation for delivering clutch hits in high-pressure situations. Twice recognized as a postseason MVP, the Puerto Rican native established himself as a central figure in the franchise’s success over six years.
Visibly moved as he acknowledged the crowd, Castro spoke with reporters after the contest through the team’s international relations coordinator and interpreter, Raymond Boisvert.
“Québec will always be home,” Castro said. “I am super happy. It was a very special moment in my career. I felt a lot of affection and recognition. It was a beautiful tribute that will stay with me for a long time.”
While the elimination halted the team’s championship pursuit and prevented a fairytale ending, Castro reflected positively on his tenure in Canada. “What I am going to remember is the number of championships we won here,” he added. “I remember the love from the fans of Québec. There have been so many good moments and this last season was special.”
Looking Toward 2027
Although tight-lipped regarding specific plans for his professional future, Castro confirmed he is stepping away from the organization with plenty of memories and new pursuits on the horizon. Citing multiple exciting projects in development for 2027, the catcher leaves behind a distinct legacy.
The Capitales now turn their attention toward the offseason and restructuring their roster ahead of the next campaign, facing the challenge of replacing a postseason stalwart who defined an era of baseball in Québec City.
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