CHICAGO — Citing “new information,” Little League International officials met Tuesday to discuss whether last summer’s Little League World Series national championship team from Chicago’s South Side added top suburban players in violation of residency rules.
Spokesman Brian McClintock said the organization’s charter committee was meeting to discuss “possible resolutions” regarding the Jackie Robinson West team and that a final decision would likely be made this week. He declined to say if the team might lose its title.
Late last year, the organization said it was confident that there were no violations of residency regulations after investigating allegations made by an official from a suburban Chicago league that some of Jackie Robinson West’s players live in suburbs with already-established Little League teams. It said it would the investigation if necessary.
On Tuesday, McClintock said the organization had received “new information” that prompted further review of the allegations. He would not elaborate.
Jackie Robinson West officials did not immediately respond to an email for comment but league officials have denied the team violated any residency rules, and that none of the players was recruited. The allegations were first reported by DNAinfo.com.
Chicago won the U.S. title by beating a Las Vegas team from Mountain Ridge Little League 7-5. The Las Vegas coach, Ashton Cave, said Jackie Robinson West should be stripped of its title if the team broke the rules.
“There has to be some accountability,” he said.
Cave said that rather than award his team the championship, Little League International could send a more powerful and lasting message by simply leaving the space blank where the championship team is listed.
“I think if they do that, it will always be a message in the world of youth sports: If you bend the rules there is going to be a consequence,” he said.
The stirring run to the Little League World Series by the all-black team captured national attention and united Chicago, which remains one of the nation’s most segregated cities. The Cubs watched JRW play during a rain delay and cheered them on while Mayor Rahm Emanuel organized all-city watch parties. The Rev. Jesse Jackson said his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would take the boys to Disney World.
After falling to South Korea in the world championship game, Jackie Robinson West was feted with a parade and a visit to the major league World Series and the White House, where they met President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
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