[Papa John]

This past summer I was scorekeeper for the all-stars playoffs for our local Little League district (it was the 11-12 year-old age group that plays in the Little League World Series in Williamsport).

During a semifinal game, the second base umpire stopped play and called out a runner on second base for stealing signs. The runner, who happened to also be the team's best pitcher, and the manager were ejected from the game and ordered to leave the premises. They went across the street from the park and hung out in an Albertson's grocery store parking lot while the game was completed. The cheating team happened to win that game but, per Little League rules, the star player and manager were also ineligible for the championship game versus my son's team. My son's team won, by the way.

My point is this: if Little League International holds both the player and manager responsible, why won't MLB? I can understand a reduction in punishment for an offending player who later offers evidence/testimony, but there's absolutely no disincentive if the player does not have to suffer some kind of consequence.

[Papa John]

This past summer I was scorekeeper for the all-stars playoffs for our local Little League district (it was the 11-12 year-old age group that plays in the Little League World Series in Williamsport).

During a semifinal game, the second base umpire stopped play and called out a runner on second base for stealing signs. The runner, who happened to also be the team's best pitcher, and the manager were ejected from the game and ordered to leave the premises. They went across the street from the park and hung out in an Albertson's grocery store parking lot while the game was completed. The cheating team happened to win that game but, per Little League rules, the star player and manager were also ineligible for the championship game versus my son's team. My son's team won, by the way.

My point is this: if Little League International holds both the player and manager responsible, why won't MLB? I can understand a reduction in punishment for an offending player who later offers evidence/testimony, but there's absolutely no disincentive if the player does not have to suffer some kind of consequence.