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 discuss if the team was in danger of being stripped of 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 DNAinifo.com.
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 even announced that 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.