Minor League Pitcher Who Hit Ohio Fan Gets 30 Days in Jail

Nearly one year ago, a bench-clearing brawl that erupted ended with seventeen players and managers being ejected in a game between the Peoria Chiefs and Dayton Dragons. In the midst of the fight, Peoria pitcher Julio Castillo threw a ball which ended up hitting an Ohio fan. Today, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years of probation as a result of the fight.

Castillo, 22, had directed the ball towards the Dragons dugout during the fight, but it ended up in the stands, striking an onlooker. The fan was taken to the hospital, and Castillo was taken off in cuffs. He was arrested and charged with felony assault.

Castillo could have received up to eight years in prison, but the judge was more lenient in doling out his punishment. Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Connie Price said that he had expressed that he was sorry about hurting anyone.

Judge Price also ordered Castillo to get anger management counseling, write a letter of apology to the injured fan, stay employed, and work towards getting a high school equivalency degree. She also warned that violating any condition of his probation could result in a three-year prison sentence. Castillo was convicted Tuesday of felonious assault causing serious physical injury for giving the victim a concussion.

The Peoria Chiefs are affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, while the Dayton Dragons are affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds.