Little League decided to part ways with Southwest Region Director Braine Whitmire after the baseball and softball programs from Tulsa were both disqualified from the World Series amid a multi-year scandal. It is nice to see some accountability!
However, the singular ouster may not solve the problem.
There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the Little League organization in Oklahoma. What checks and balances are in place to prevent this kind of controversy from happening in the future?
Tulsa National was disqualified in baseball and softball.
The Tulsa National softball program came one loss short of the Little League World Series championship game in 2025 but its third-place finish came under immediate scrutiny due to an eligibility scandal. Multiple opponents filed formal complaints against the organization for the alleged use of ineligible athletes, which likely led to a fight among parents. Little League International chose to ignore the protests, likely to avoid a situation like what happened with Jackie Robinson West baseball team back in 2014.
To make matters worse, those same administrators at Little League International had a track record of past failures and blatantly ignored incriminating evidence during a failed cover-up. It was a poor reflection on the entire organization from the top down.
Fast forward to this year. The Tulsa National softball program returned to the postseason with nine of the 10 players from last year’s roster and all three coaches. It was mostly the same team. Copy, paste.
Therefore, because there were concerns about eligibility in 2025, there were concerns about eligibility in 2026. Three different teams filed a protest against Tulsa at the Southwest Region Tournament. Little League decided to remove Team Oklahoma from the softball tournament after the third protest. There was enough evidence to issue a disqualification.
And then it happened with baseball…
Three teams at the Southwest Region Tournament filed a joint protest against the Tulsa National Little League baseball program. The complaint called for an investigation into four specific rules violations, which eventually led to an official disqualification. A messy legal saga proceeded to unfold in court in Texas. A judge ultimately ruled to uphold the disqualification.
Little League moved on from its Southwest Region director.
Maren Angus of Softball on SI was the first to report on the departure of Southwest Region Director Blaine Whitmire. Little League International’s Senior Director of Regional Operations sent the following email:
Please be advised that Blaine Whitmire is no longer an employee of Little League International. As we move forward, I encourage each of you, as District Administrators serving your respective states, to maintain regular communication with Southwest Region Assistant Director Brant Durden as we prepare for the 2027 Little League season.
During this transition, please continue to work through Brant on your questions, issues, and day-to-day needs. When an issue requires escalation, Brant will work with me to ensure it is addressed appropriately and in a timely manner. Of course, if there is an issue that requires my direct involvement, I remain available and am happy to assist.
Brant will soon be scheduling our upcoming October District Administrator Zoom meeting, and I look forward to joining as well when possible. He will communicate the meeting details well in advance, so everyone has sufficient time to prepare, participate, and contribute.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities the 2027 Little League Baseball and Softball season will bring. Through continued communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to supporting our leagues and volunteers, we look forward to building upon the many successes throughout the Southwest Region.
Thank you for your continued leadership and service to your leagues, districts, states, and the Southwest Region. We are committed to supporting you and ensuring the Region remains well positioned for a successful 2027 season.
— Corey M. Wright
Whitmere was hired in March of 2022. He oversaw Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
The last two years have been riddled with scandals. The disqualifications of the Tulsa National softball and baseball teams was the final straw that led to the ouster. It is the first step toward accountability. Little League International made a necessary change.
That’s great, but it does not get to the root of the issue.
Oklahoma District Administrator Mindy Abbott and Tulsa National Little League President Steve Skocik are accused of “knowingly signing a tournament affidavit containing false information” and using Little League’s disability program to falsify player eligibility. Will they be allowed to continue in their respective roles? What about the parents and coaches who allowed this to happen? Are they still allowed to participate?
To remove Whitmere from his post is one thing. What parameters are in place to prevent this kind of thing from happening again?