Encino Claims Critics Were Just Talking Trash

Leslie and Gary Persell’s attack on Encino Little League and its all-star manager, Rob Glushon, reflects nothing more than a personal vendetta. The Persells left the Encino Baseball program years ago.

Their accusation that our all-star manager spearheaded the investigation leading to the disqualification of the two Woodland Hills players is untrue.

The information and documentation provided to Little League officials in Williamsport were given to numerous coaches and officials from our league. The bank checks and rent receipts came from Woodland Hills league officials, not from trash cans. More importantly, the parents of the players involved simply could not produce even one of the legal documents required by Little League (ie: driver’s license, car registration, employee records, etc.) to support their claims of eligibility.

The protest, which was signed and submitted by our league president, was not about winning or losing. Even after Little League officials disqualified the two players and ordered a replay of the district title game, Encino “conceded” the victory and allowed Woodland Hills, with their legal players, to advance to the next tournament.

The principles of honesty, sportsmanship and fair play should be more important than winning. As stated by Little League officials in Williamsport, the enforcement of these principles and rules require that people not look the other way when violations occur.

The time has come for responsible parents of all leagues to work together to ensure that Little League and other youth sports programs follow the rules for the benefit of all kids involved.

LEONARD LEVINE

Vice President, Encino Little League

TARZANA