UPDATED: Barrington Little League Accused of Cheating - League Issues Statement

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UPDATED: Barrington Little League Accused of Cheating - League Issues Statement

Barrington Little League is accused of cheating. PHOTO: Barrington Little League Facebook
Just days before the start of the Little League World Series, Barrington Little League is facing cheating allegations.

In an article in the New Hampshire Union Leader, Goffstown coach Pat Dutton claims that Barrington was stealing signs throughout the regional tournament.

Dutton tells the Union Leader, “You can see (runners on second base) leaning in, looking in and they’re doing hand gestures to their kid (at the plate) indicating what kind of pitch it is and where it’s located. You can do that in big league ball, but in Little League it’s unsportsmanlike, it’s dishonorable, and it’s disgusting. They did it the whole tournament and got away with it, and now that’s what’s representing New England in the Little League World Series. It’s just a bad look.”

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Repeated efforts by GoLocal to reach Goffstown Little league officials and Dutton were unsuccessful.

Barrington beat Goffstown 6-4 in the regional final to advance to the Little League World Series on Saturday afternoon in Bristol.

Dutton adds, “It’s just frustrating to see teams and kids having to go about it that way when clearly they were playing better than we were. They didn’t have to do that. That’s something these kids don’t learn on their own. That’s something that they’re taught. They’re coached to do that.”

Barrington Responds

Barrington Little League president Fletcher Thomson released the following statement Tuesday afternoon: 

“Barrington Little League prides itself on adherence to Little League rules and values. In all aspects of our organization, we strive to foster the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and respect for coaches, officials and teammates. The article in the Union Leader is unfortunate, and its premise false. We hold our coaches, players and teams to the highest standards, and do not coach or condone unsportsmanlike behavior of any kind.

Likewise, we do not condone anyone making disparaging comments about opposing teams, particularly teams like Barrington’s All-Star team, a team made up of dedicated volunteer coaches and 13 exceptional young players. That goes against our core values, and is, in fact, a violation of the rules and spirit of Little League itself. If an opposing team or manager has any concerns, they should take them up with Little League. We are extremely proud of our team and wish them well in Williamsport.”

Little League World Series Set to Begin

Barrington is the fifth Rhode Island team in the last six years to reach the World Series joining Cumberland, Cranston West, Warwick North, and Coventry.

Barrington’s first World Series game will take place on Thursday, August 15 at 3 p.m. against Virginia’s Loudoun South Little League.


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