Bob Laterza, the manager of the Staten Island South Shore Little League who started the spat with the Yankees, wants everyone to know that no one on his team hates the Bronx Bombers or feels entitled to them.
Laterza made headlines last week when he told the Staten Island Advance that superstar slugger Aaron Judge did not socialize with the Yankees while they were in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League Classic.
He stuck to his criticisms in a phone interview with The Washington Post.
“The only reason I said anything to Advance is because these kids are my kids when they’re with me,” Laterza said. “They were disappointed. How do I explain to them that this guy can’t even turn around and wave? Well, you could say he’s busy with the game. … We’re 10 feet apart. They were waving to the bleachers when they were up to bat.”
The Staten Island coach pushed back against some of the criticism he’s received since his comments were made public, and the Yankees responded with a fierce defense of Judge.
Laterza said he was under the impression that the Yankees would pay special attention to the local New York Little League team during their visit to Williamsport.
He claimed to have read reports to that effect, but said he could not recall in which outlet he read them.
The Staten Island game was played on Sunday morning when the Yankees flew to Williamsport, so they missed the opportunity to greet the Yankees at the airport.
A meeting planned for The Grove, the dormitory where the team will be staying during the tournament, was canceled due to logistical issues.
Laterza said the players waited an hour, but the crowds were so large that the Yankees were unable to go to the planned meet-and-greet site, denying the kids another chance to meet Judge.
Staten Island Little League players were able to ease their disappointment when Aaron Boone, Anthony Volpe and Gerrit Cole came to see Yankees players before the Little League Classic.
But because Judge didn’t greet the Staten Islanders while on deck, Laterza suggested it was the final straw.
“it is [the Yankees] “He couldn’t get through the crowd to get to the rec room at The Grove, where we were meeting them. I get that, especially when it’s that crowded,” Laterza said. “And then he couldn’t get out to get ready for the game. I get that. I mean, how can we understand that? Why can’t you turn around and wave? That’s the whole point. What was the justification?”
Laterza said he has not been in personal contact with either the Yankees or Judge since the Yankees released their critical statement.
While he says he meant no harm, he appears to dispute the team’s statement and has indicated he would like to see Judge apologize for not meeting with the team.
The Yankees declined to comment on Laterza’s new remarks.
In the days following Laterza’s initial complaint, the Yankees came out in strong defense of their captain, but Judge chose not to respond directly to the comments.
Laterza appeared to back down and acknowledge that the situation could have been handled better with cooperation from all involved.
“You know, maybe I should have given a better response. Maybe they should have given a better response,” Laterza said.
The Staten Island Little League team was defeated by Florida on Tuesday night.
Laterza said the athletes enjoyed their experience in Williamsport and, after their success, have already been invited to ride on a float at the San Gennaro Festival.
“From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we were treated amazing,” Laterza said. “Nothing was needed or overlooked. It’s just amazing. … I never expected to be treated so well.”
