Suit against Little League argues use of 'altered' bat led to player's head injury

GALVESTON - Local resident Emmett Parsutt Sr. and his wife, Elena, are suing Little League Inc. and League City Little League Inc. in the wake of injuries reportedly suffered by their son during a game earlier this month. 

A lawsuit filed July 11 in Galveston County District Court alleges the League City All-Stars Little League team used an illegal bat in the District XIV championship game against the Santa Fe squad of which Emmett Parsutt Jr. is a member.

Said bat produced a hit that struck the younger Parsutt's head, recent court papers say.

The suit explains that teams are prohibited from using unlicensed or altered bats in accordance to Little League rules, and there was concern the League City team had an unlicensed metal bat at its disposal.

Prior to the start of the game in question, the umpire inspected the bat, an Easton 2012 XL1, and ruled it fit for play. Easton is not named in the suit.

The plaintiffs say a batter for League City hit a line drive that knocked their son to the ground.

"While (the) Santa Fe parents and coaches rushed to Emmett's aide, a parent (non-coach) of one of the League City All-Stars came out of the stands and onto the field to retrieve the allegedly altered bat," the original petition says.

"The parent then took the bat, walked to the parking lot and locked it in his car."

Texas City Police were called when the parent refused to surrender the bat, which was believed to have "ended up in the hands of the League City Little League officials and has allegedly been sent off for testing."

Meanwhile, the complainants' son left the game on a stretcher and was taken to a nearby hospital.

League City won the game to advance to the regional championship in Pearland.

The suit faults the respondents for negligence.

Consequently, the plaintiffs seek more than $1 million in damages.

Attorney Chance A. McMillan of Thurlow & Associates of Houston is representing the Parsutts, and Galveston County 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss is presiding over the litigation.

Case No. 13-CV-902