Officials from the Little League International will meet Tuesday to discuss an investigation into Chicago’s championship Little League Team Jackie Robinson West after allegations the team violated rules by adding top suburban players.
League spokesman Brian McClintock said the organization “is in the final stages of reviewing all information relating to the concerns raised” and said the Charter Committee will meet to discuss resolution.
McClintock said a final decision is expected soon.
The league began investigating JRW lsat year after the team was accused of adding top suburban players to make it stronger, a violation of “residency regulations.”
In December, McClintock said an “initial determination” showed the players met eligibility requirements. The organization said the matter was considered closed, but could be reopened if new evidence came forward.
The team made national and international headlines when it made it to the Little League World Series, capturing the attention of major league players, who contributed money so the families of the team from the city's South Side could attend the tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. After winning the national championship game — becoming the city's first all-black team to claim the national title — and then 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.