Little League team removed from tournament without explanation

It’s known as a Field of Dreams, and a group of 12-year-old boys from Tarrant County were living it.

“All of us dreamed of playing in the Little League World Series,” said Cooper Neumann.

“I’ve been watching it for three years straight. I kept asking my dad, ‘Can we try out for that? Can we?'”, added Harrison Harper.

Their journey went incredibly well—so well that they won every single game they played. But then, their success became a problem.

“The complaints started alleging that our team had played together before, that the boys were too old, and that they didn’t live in the required area,” explained Greg Harper, the team’s coach.

Despite providing evidence to refute these claims, including documents like water bills and residency proofs, the controversy escalated. The complaints reached the Little League International Office in Pennsylvania, which prompted a call to the league president in Texas. Ultimately, the undefeated team was abruptly removed from the league, with little explanation.

“We asked for an explanation, a reason why our kids were removed. They said it wasn’t their decision and pointed us back to our League President, who voluntarily withdrew us,” Harper lamented.

Attempts to get clarification from the league president were unsuccessful, leaving parents and players frustrated and bewildered.

“We’ve sent emails, made phone calls—no response, no explanation whatsoever,” said Michelle Peluso, a parent.

Little League International responded to inquiries, stating:

“A protest was filed with the Little League International Tournament Committee by another league participating in the Texas District 7 Tournament. Following a review of the protest and discussions with the League President, the Fossil Creek Little League team voluntarily withdrew from the Tournament. The withdrawal was accepted, and the tournament proceeded without the team on June 19, 2024. Little League International considers this matter closed.”

Parents and coaches expressed disappointment with the outcome, feeling it contradicts Little League’s stated values of fair play.

“Little League’s motto is ‘I will play fair.’ This doesn’t seem fair at all, and the lack of answers makes it even more unfair,” Peluso added.

For the boys, it’s a tough life lesson, especially since next year they will be too old to participate again.

“I was really disappointed. It was pretty amazing to play on TV in front of so many people,” said Nicholas Brossman.