Q+A: Catch up with Columbus Clippers pitcher Joey Cantillo
See Joey Cantillo in action at Huntington Park. | Photo by CBUStoday
When it comes to big league dreams, Joey Cantillo is on the path to making them a reality.
We sat down with the Columbus Clippers pitcher to learn about his journey in baseball, and how the Hawaii-native has adjusted to life in CBUS this season.
Can you tell us about your professional baseball journey?
Growing up in Hawaii is unique. There aren’t a lot of professional baseball players from there, so getting scouted and seen is a little harder. You have to pay to play in some showcases and travel to the mainland to get seen.
I was able to get drafted by San Diego in the 16th round. When I got traded here, it was a lot of developing, focusing on velocity and process-based things. This has led me to where I am today.
How has your first season in Columbus been?
Columbus is a vibrant, fun city with a lot of younger people and things to do. There are some nice lakes around here and we’ve been going wake surfing, so I’ve really enjoyed that. This is by far the best city I’ve played in.
Joey will be the starting pitcher Friday, Sept. 8 at 7:05 p.m. | Photo by CBUStoday
What was it like playing in the All-Star Futures Game?
That was one of the coolest baseball experiences that I’ve had. I had to opportunity to play in a big league stadium, and my sister and my dad were there to watch me. It’s something looking back years from now that will always be something I’ll remember.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
The Guild House is a nice date night spot. The Lox has great breakfast sandwiches. And, Arch City Tavern has really good burgers, but their wings are also slept-on.
What advice do you have for young players?
Continue to work hard with everything you do. Believing in yourself is the most important thing.
Oktoberfest Kick-off Party | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Hofbräuhaus Columbus Brewery & Restaurant, 800 Goodale Blvd., Grandview Heights | Cost of purchase | The German restaurant will tap its Oktoberfest keg + you can enjoy live music and family-friendly fun.
Food Truck Food Court | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Cost of purchase | Order from a variety of food trucks out on the Commons lawn with seating available.
Friday, Sept. 8
Columbus Clippers vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $8-$21 | Michael Allio, former contestant on “The Bachelorette,” will be available for autographs during the game.
Saturday, Sept. 9
The Man Cave Hosted By Brian G. Rogers | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 1-3 p.m. | Columbus Metropolitan Library: Southeast Branch, 3980 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport | Free | Mingle with other men and form a community in a safe place with lunch provided.
Family Fun Day: Harvest Fair | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 4-8 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Free | Enjoy inflatables, a pumpkin patch, face paintings, and fall-foliage backdrops for family photos.
Sunday, Sept. 10
Powell Street Market | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 4 p.m. | Olentangy Street, Powell | Free | Shop handmade goods from 70+ local artisans.
The Great Westerville Pumpkin Show is returning to Westerville Thursday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 22. Expect some of the largest pumpkins in Ohio, a pumpkin bounce house, a corn maze, and 15+ food trucks. Tickets are on sale now.
Show
John Oliver, an award-winning comedian and host of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” on HBO, is coming to Mershon Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 12. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.
Drink
Wendy’s, the Dublin-based burger chain, is releasing its first-ever pumpkin spice Frosty and pumpkin spice Frosty cream cold brew on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The fall drinks will be available at all Wendy’s locations. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Traffic
I-70 will be closed between SR 315 and I-71 in both directions from Friday, Sept. 8 at 11 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. Drivers are advised to use I-670 as a detour during the demolition of the Front Street bridge.
Outdoors
Columbus Recreations and Parks is hosting Teen Outdoor Day on Saturday, Sept. 23. Teen girls ages 12-18 can enjoy canoeing, archery, and birding at this free event. Advance registration is required.
Feel Good
Remember the surprise gorilla baby born at the Columbus Zoo? She has officially been named Kwame, which means quiet ruler in Swahili. Kwame and her mom Sully continue to do well.
History
Did you know that OSU students used to live in a dorm inside the Shoe? The Stadium Scholarship Dormitory housed students from 1933 to 1999 with discounted room and board in exchange for student work like maintenance, cooking, and cleaning. Now that’s a pretty cool place to call home.
Festival
Climbing, paddling, camping + beer at Scioto Fest? Sign us up. Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks’ fifth annual outdoor festival will return to Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Friday, Sept. 15-Saturday, Sept. 16, with a jam-packed lineup of activities. See the full schedule.*
Finance
This leading credit card touts 0% intro APR on balance transfers for guess how many months… with no annual fee. (Hint: The 0% intro APR period lasts until 2025.) Details revealed here.*
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