Kids these days (aka Minor League update)

The fan was taken to the hospital after being hit by a ball thrown by Peoria (Cubs) pitcher Julio Castillo, who was throwing at the Dayton (Reds) dugout but missed during the first-inning melee between Midwest League teams.  –AP

Springfield News-Sun

O.K., this dude Castillo is, uh, not the brightest.  But he is only in single-A, so I guess you can’t blame him too much for missing the entire dugout with a thrown ball.  Oh man, dude is a pitcher.

So anyway, the Peoria Chiefs (Cubs single-A affiliate) and the Dayton Dragons (Reds) had something of an ugly game today.  During actual game play, and in an ensuing benches-clearing brawl, Peoria’s second baseman broke his leg (apparently tripping over Castillo!), the Dayton shortstop was hit in the head (by Castillo!) and left the game, and that poor fan was taken to the hospital (thanks Castillo!).

Nearly as ridiculously, 15 players and the two managers were ejected, but were unejected when the Cubs and Reds big-clubs objected, as they did not want pitchers playing in the outfield, etc.  The ejected players returned, and finished the game (and the Chiefs lost, 5-6).

Ryne Sandberg wasn’t managing Peoria, but rather interim manager Carmelo Martinez.  For those at home, here is some scouting video of Castillo’s 4-seam fastball:

Update: “It took several minutes for Dayton police to calm the melee.  Castillo was arrested and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.  He faces a felonious assault charge.”  –WDTN Dayton

Castillo is scheduled to be arraigned Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Update 2: Castillo surrendered his passport, and is being held on $50,000 bond, according to the Associated Press, and if convicted faces a maximum of 8 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.  It seems impossible that he’ll do anything close to that though.  Castillo is from the Dominican Republic, and has been in the U.S. for a month.  The fan was treated and released from the hospital.  Castillo’s court date is Aug. 1.  What an absolute nightmare.