PORTLAND, Ore. — Police in Lakewood, Colorado posted a video of a brawl between parents at a Little League game between 7-year-olds. The game reportedly came to blows over a call made by a 13-year-old umpire.
Local Little League parents and players are hoping the video it reminds everyone why sportsmanship is such a big deal.
“I just can't understand why someone would do that,” said Andy Petrick, a 14-year-old youth umpire with Southwest Portland Little League.
Andy said he’s seen a few wild-eyed parents and coaches after some of his calls, but nothing like what happened in Colorado.
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“It gets a little heated, but you always have to have the mindset of, he's not going to hurt me ... yet,” Petrick said.
Make that never if you ask league president, Mel Bessner.
“It wouldn't happen in our league,” Bessner said. “I'm just appalled.”
To Bessner, the video is a sobering reminder of why they put so much emphasis on treating each other with respect, be it player, parent or coach.
“Here, Little League is about sportsmanship, it doesn't matter win or lose, Bessner said. “There's definitely competitiveness, but not to that level.”
Local Little League organizers have two rules for parents:
They're not allowed to talk to anyone in the dugout, and they're not allowed to coach from the stands.
“We like to think this game is for the kids and not the parents,” said Spencer Hodes, president of Raleigh Hills Little League. “Parents have no place on the field, much less getting into that kind of situation.”
Police have cited some people in the video for disorderly conduct. One man could face assault charges and others could face child abuse charges for putting their kids in danger.
“I'd tell those parents that they're absolute morons and they should never go to a game again,” said 12-year-old baseball player, Tyler Petrick.
Ditto, for Andy.
“I just find that a disgrace to baseball,” he said.