With the Lion Kings at-bat in the top of the third inning, team manager, Dolores Emul noticed that the Jets pitcher’s pants did not look the same as his teammates’.
The Jets’ gray uniform is supposed to have a vertical stripe on the outer side of the pants that runs from the waist all the way to the ankle.
Pitcher Toby Fleming’s pants do not have this.
The Jets had been representing CNMI Seniors Division in Regional, Asia-Pacific and World Series for a number of years. They won the 2007 championship against the Falcons and defended their title last year against the Fielders.
Manager Derron G. Flores who just had his 16th year in coaching career was speechless after the forfeited game due to attire faux pas.
The Jets had just had their three-run third inning leading the game into a 10-run mercy rule against the Lion Kings when the matter was brought up to the officiating panel.
After a few minutes of discussion, the press box made an announcement that made the Lion Kings’ dug out roar in cheers.
The decision: The game is over and goes in favor of the Lion Kings, qualifying them for the Seniors Division championship game that starts next week.
Saipan Little League Baseball president, Mike Borja said it was agreed the rules on uniform has been violated.
The 2009 Little League rules stated that all teams in four divisions must be in full uniform before the fifth game of the season. Failure to comply with this rule will result on forfeit.
The rules specifically provide that “discolored, cutoff shirts and pants, tank tops and gym short are not permitted on the playing field.
Borja noted that it was already a playoff game and Fleming has been pitching in three innings when the improper uniform was noticed.
The opponent, he said has the responsibility to bring the matter to the officials’ room.
Fleming has not scored yet but has already been helping the Jets hold the Lion Kings scoreless when the unfortunate moment came sending everybody in the Jets dugout and bleacher in frustration.
The Lion Kings will meet in the Senior Little League finals, the Fielders who defeated the D9ers, 6-1 during yesterday’s game at the Francisco Palacios Baseball Field.
