That Chad Fitzsimmons, Little League State Tournament director, and other Maine leagues and coaches feel rewarded while cowering behind Little League International East Region’s decision to disqualify the obviously talented baseball players of Gorham is quite mortifying.

I agree with Gorham Little Leaguer Chris Shaw’s succinct summation in Steve Craig’s July 24 Portland Press Herald article on this issue. The Medomak Valley and “…other leagues and coaches…” that ganged up on those kids should be ashamed of themselves. It would seem that the intent of the rules, “…to keep a town from entering an all-star team without having a legitimate league, and to make sure the all-star players are active participants in Little League…” had been met.

These kids earned the right to compete with and against their peers. Instead of championing sportsmanship and fair play, Medomak Valley et al. have shown that vindictiveness can win the day.

As a former Little League all star player, I weep for this injustice. Hopefully, the Gorham ballplayers will continue to stand tall. Many folks know who the best players in town are, and they could also be the best players in the state and beyond. Keeping one’s eye on the ball in whatever one does is a lesson for success from baseball teamwork.

Kevin McKeon
Springvale