WPRO News and the Associated Press
CUMBERLAND, R.I. (AP) – The Rhode Island coach whose inspirational speech to his team went viral after they lost in the Little League World Series says they got beat by cheaters and the adults who orchestrated the scheme should be ashamed.
Dave Belisle was manager of the Cumberland American Little League team from Rhode Island that was eliminated from the tournament by Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West, 8-7, in August.
After the loss, Belisle gave an emotional speech to team members that went viral. He told them to hold their heads high and to not be disappointed in their effort.
After learning Jackie Robinson West used players from outside league boundaries, Belisle says he feels for the kids in Chicago.
Of the adults, he says they lost sight of the point of Little League.
