How Does It Play in Peoria?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 25, 2008 3:33PM

The Peoria Chiefs — the Cubs' Class A Midwest League affiliate — took part in a major league bench clearing brawl Thursday night (video here) with the Dayton Dragons. Fifteen players and both managers were ejected from the game as a result of the melee and one fan was taken to the hospital after being hit by a ball thrown by pitcher Julio Castillo. He'd been aiming for the Dayton dugout. Guess we know why Castillo's still in the minors.

League President George Spelius, however, reversed the ejections an hour later when the parent ball clubs (Dayton is a Cincinnati affiliate) balked at the idea of their remaining roster playing out of position. We understand protecting their assets, but doesn't this send a mixed message to kids who witnessed the brawl? After the game resumed, Dayton won 6-5.

Peoria is normally managed by Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, but he was attending the Hall of Fame inductions and not in the dugout on Thursday.

For those who want experience the fightin' Chiefs up close and personal, the team will be playing the Kane County Cougars in a game at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Tickets are still available and priced as low as $10.