Little Leaguer With Cerebral Palsy Is Kicked Off Team

A 15-year-old Little League baseball player who weighs only 56 pounds because he has cerebral palsy was kicked off his team and his coach was forced to resign because another team competing for the same playoff spot complained about the player’s presence on a team of 9- to 12-year-olds.

“I think Little League baseball’s for kids, and these adults just have to ruin the fun of it,” said Judi Church, whose son, Tucker, was dismissed by the Sharpstown Little League Pirates.

Coach Scott Davis said when he saw the 4-foot-9 youngster try out for the regular 13- to 15-year-old team, he knew he would not be able to make the cut. So Davis put the boy on the Pirates, a team composed of 9- to 12-year-olds.

“I knew the age rule, but in my heart I just couldn’t see this kid not play baseball,” Davis said. “He loves it so much.”

Tucker was hitting .167.

Little League district administrator Paul Goolsby threw Tucker off the team for violating the age rule. Goolsby also said he wanted Davis banned from further coaching.

“I knowingly broke their rules so I resigned right away,” Davis said.

Elmer Lenotsky, an official at Little League headquarters in Williamsport, Pa., told the Houston Post that the league makes special provisions for children who may not be able to play in a certain age group, as long as they get doctor’s approval. “But we haven’t put that in writing,” Lenotsky said.

Goolsby said he wished he had been aware of the provision but insisted Davis should not be allowed to coach again.

“I would have handled this much differently,” Goolsby said, but added, “You can’t knowingly break rules.”