Coach: Philippine Kids Were From Out of City

MANILA — A coach of the Philippine team that won the Little League World Series acknowledged that most of the players did not come from Zamboanga, which won the right to represent the country, a newspaper reported in today’s editions.

The nationally-circulated Philippine Inquirer said Coach Eduardo Toribio blamed Manila-based Little League officials for the controversy that could lead to the forfeiture of the team’s victory over Long Beach at Williamsport, Pa., last month.

Bob McKittrick, Long Beach Little League administrator, said Wednesday he has documents coming from the Philippines that show eight players, including star pitcher Ian Tolentino, were from outside the Zamboanga City District, an apparent violation of Little League rules.

“I feel we have enough proof to press this,” McKittrick said.

Toribio said that his Zamboanga team won the right to represent the country by winning the local Little League elimination series in April. But Manila officials trimmed members of his team to six and added eight players from other teams.

He also complained of being eased out of his coaching position to give way to Manila-based officials. He said he was even banned from being with the team in the final game with Long Beach, but was able to sneak onto the field.

The Little League office said a statement would be issued later.