CHICAGO -- Belmont Cameli threw out a ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s series opener between the Cubs and White Sox at Rate Field, firing a strike to Derek Hill.
The 28-year-old could have had the same honor on an even earlier date at Wrigley Field. But the talented actor, currently starring in "Off Campus" on Amazon Prime, stayed true to his White Sox fandom, as he explained before the game began.
“Dude, it’s just so cool,” Cameli said. “The Cubs DM’d me on Instagram, and they said they had considered me to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and they would love to have me out to any game. They wanted my contact information to set it up with my team. I was honored, but I didn’t consider it for a second.
“My dad [Joe] is from South Chicago Heights. He’s not with us anymore either, so this makes it extra special. I responded very politely, which I was encouraged by my friends to be polite. So I was. I screenshotted it, sent it over to the White Sox and they asked what was the best way to get in contact with me.
“They offered me to throw the pitch out today, and out of all the home games this season,” Cameli added. “I would have picked tonight if I was so lucky to have my choice. It’s really kind of a kismet thing. It’s cool.”
Cameli played baseball until he was 12, and then umpired for 10 years before getting into acting. He hasn’t been able to do much warming up while promoting his show, but he was satisfied with Friday’s throw.
“I hit the stretch, shook off the curveball, gave a nod to the high cheese and I let it rip,” said a smiling Cameli. “I’m never rooting against the Cubs unless the Sox are playing them.
“In 2016, that was super fun when the Cubs brought it home. But I’ll never forget 2005 being in my living room with my family. I’m a die-hard Sox fan. I go to Dodgers games because I live in L.A., but I don’t wear any Dodgers gear.”
When asked to compare the thrill of this first pitch to the thrill of his first show, Cameli smiled and said they were both great. But Friday had a different feel to it.
“This is far more sentimental. I get to share this with my family,” Cameli said. “It’s cool for them too. Promoting 'Off Campus' has been a blast, but this is close to the heart. They are both really sensational experiences. They strike different chords.”