Parents: Pitcher pulled for being too good

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The parents of a New Haven, Conn., Little League pitcher who was banned after batters had a hard time hitting his pitches said they plan to take legal action.

Leroy and Nicole Scott said their son, Jericho, 9, was kicked out of the league by officials who said his pitching was too fast and accurate for players from other teams, the New Haven Register reported Tuesday.

John Williams, an attorney for the family, said he is planning legal action to have the pitcher reinstated and the team allowed to go on to the playoffs after an 8-0 season. League officials attempted to disband the team after coach Wilfred Vidro refused to pull Jericho Scott from the pitcher's mound.

"This is a terrible, terrible thing happening to these kids," Williams said. "Not only does it spoil their summer and their childhood, but it tells them it's more about winning than doing your best. Everything we value children in athletics for, this is the antithesis."

The team's 13 players and their families have resolved to continue as a team and parents said they are planning fundraisers to help pay for Williams' help.

League attorney Peter Noble said the decision to pull the pitcher was made after parents from other teams raised concerns that the boy's talent was preventing their children from playing freely.