Expert: Martin Hoover - 6/12/2010

Question
My Son played 12 out 14 games this little league season in the Majors. On the 12th game a pitcher threw a ball at him and fractured his ulnar. He of course was walked by the umpire. My son had to sit out the rest of his season and play-offs. To say the least his team was undefeated. Allstar try-outs are approaching and the League says he cannot try-out and be selected. He is an outstanding player and they offered to call upon him if they need him. He gets his cast off 2 weeks prior to the first Tournament. The board voted on this. We are grateful. But, why cannot his playing season speak for itself and they add him to the pool for consideration/selection? It just does not seem fair if he was injured by another player and has to continue to sit out because of the board policy of having to try-out? He cannot as he as a cast. It almost encourages players to target players for their advantage in terms of placement and getting on the Allstar team. I don't mean to be so frank but it is true!

Answer
Ron,

While I understand your frustration, please keep in mind I can only comment on Little League Rules, and not the decisions of your local league.

Little League Rules allow the Board of Directors to determine player selection to an All Star team.  If trying out is one of the requirements, then the Board can determine that.  They also have the right to determine what players are and are not eligible.

What I would recommend is that you talk to you League President and see if there is an opportunity for you to talk to the Board of Directors about their decision.

I hope this has helped.

-Martin Hoover