A Texas judge has reinstated the Tulsa National Little League's 12U team in the Southwest Region Tournament, granting them a chance to compete for a spot in the Little League World Series. The team was previously disqualified by Little League Baseball over an ineligible player.
A temporary restraining order issued by a Texas judge overturned Little League's decision, allowing the Tulsa team to proceed with its tournament play. The team is now scheduled to face Boerne Little League, representing Texas West, on Tuesday evening in Waco. The winner will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport.
Little League International had announced Monday that the Tulsa National Little League team was removed from the tournament following a protest regarding player eligibility. The organization stated that its decision was "final and binding." While the specific player and the reason for the ineligibility remain unclear, this ruling impacts the championship game that Boerne Little League had initially won, believing it had secured a spot in the World Series.
"Judge [Ryan] Luna made the right decision to give the boys an opportunity to play the game and decide everything on the field," Tulsa National's attorney stated, according to News on 6. "These boys are ball players and ball players do just that - play ball."
Attorneys for Tulsa National expressed surprise at the process, alleging that protest documentation was withheld, preventing the team from presenting its case effectively. They argued that the decision appeared arbitrary and capricious.
Little League International, in its statement, emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the tournament and ensuring a fair experience for all participants. The organization added that it would continue to offer support to the families involved with the Tulsa National Little League.
This incident follows a separate eligibility case that led to the removal of the Tulsa National Little League's softball team from its regional tournament.