Little League Black Sox

[TheUnknown285]

From FOXnews.com:

KEARNY, N.J. — Several Little League players claim their coaches asked them to intentionally lose a game to a crosstown rival.


But the coaches say they only told the youngsters to play their best.

Members of the Kearny National All-Stars team said their coaches wanted to make it easier for the Kearny American All-Stars to win the district tournament. The National team had a 1-5 record and no chance of advancing, but the American All-Stars had a 6-0 record.

One National player filed a complaint with U.S. Little League officials, and the mayor of Kearney has ordered an official inquiry.

"They asked us 'What do you want to do with the Kearny game? Do you want to blow it or do you want to play?"' infielder Mike Capelao told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Tuesday's editions. "I didn't say anything. But then at the game, all of the kids were like 'We want to win!"'

Derek Cowley, the star pitcher, said the players were told: "We'll play hard for maybe one or two innings, then let them walk a lot of guys."

The coaches, Larry Davidson and Justin Raia, denied telling the players to throw the July 12 game.

The National team took an early 4-3 lead before the American team came back to win, 16-4. However, the American All-Stars were eliminated from the tournament three days later.

Doug Gogal, coach of the Americans, said his players and their parents believe the National team tried its best.

"I don't know what to say, other than the fact our kids worked hard and played hard," he said. "I don't think we needed any help winning games."