A Minor League pitcher accused of throwing a ball that hit a fan right in the forehead was indicted last week on two counts of felonious assault.
The Peoria Chiefs' Julio Castillo is accused of throwing into the stands during a game on July 24 at the Dayton Dragons where both teams were involved in a 10 minute bench clearing brawl. At the time the fan was treated for a concussion and released from the hospital.
Castillo was trying to hit a Dayton player in the dugout, but missed and hit the fan. A Montgomery County grand jury indicted him on one count of felonious assault with a deadly weapon and one count of felonious assault causing serious physical harm.
Prosecutor Mathias Heck Jr. stated that Castillo threw the ball with intent to hurt someone, putting spectators that included children in danger. "There is no excuse for this type of behavior, whether it's in a ballpark or a back ally", Heck said. "Fans should not be subjected to violence because a player in unable to control his temper."
Defense attorney Dennis Lieberman stated that the Dominican Republic born Castillo will plead not guilty. "In my research, I have found this to be and unprecedented indictment in American baseball," Lieberman said. "These are very serious charges that could destroy this kid's chance of ever playing baseball in the United States again."
If he is convicted on both counts, Castillo could face up to 16 years in prison. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 13. Castillo is still currently with the Chicago Cubs' organiztion.
I would like to here what other baseball fans have to say about this. Not sure what to think myself, as we've all lost our temper and done something supid. Should this guy get 16 years for this, or something less severe. Obviously, some punishment is in order. In reality, he could have hit a kid and done some serious damage.
Damaris Lewis
Brooklyn Decker
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Back in Time: July 3
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16 years is a little much I think. Definitely some community service, anger management, a fine, for sure, but jail time seems a little too much.
The story doesn't say anything about it, but I'm sure there is some remorse on his part.
THUG is on Vacation
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I agree with Thugmeister. This kind of behavior must be sanctioned, but a maximum of sixteen years seems awfully stiff.
But another issue is that historically the courts have allowed baseball to deal with its own problems. (I know there are exceptions, such as D. Strawberry for example.) Is this a signal that the courts are going to deal with sports behavior?
Appleseed Turtle
Carlin, MI
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