Ex–Springfield Little League VP withdraws coaching bid over backlash
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After parents banded together to block his return, a former Springfield Little League vice president withdrew his bid to be reinstated as a coach.
Why it matters: Without Paul Greenberg's withdrawal, the league faced a vote that could have splintered the Montgomery County town — between families who still haven't forgiven him for his role in a viral airplane stunt in May 2024 and those who want him back in the dugouts.
- The fallout could've also jeopardized the league's access to township baseball and softball fields this spring.
Driving the news: Greenberg withdrew before the SLL board voted last week on whether to allow him to coach one of the league's in-house teams.
- The move came after parents organized a letter-writing campaign urging the board to scuttle his comeback.
Meanwhile, Caroline Shuman notified the league last week that she was resigning as SLL's president, per a letter obtained by Axios.
- Shuman — who is being succeeded by parent Erica Tomasko — did not say whether Greenberg's situation factored into her decision to return to being a "baseball mom."
Yes, but: It became clear that Greenberg's potential reunion with SLL was a political hot potato.
Zoom in: Township officials met with SLL leaders last month after learning Greenberg planned to seek reinstatement, commissioner Jim Lee told Axios. That came nearly two years after Greenberg was banned for orchestrating an airplane flyover at a game targeting parent Zach Magid as the parent who objected to cutting the in-house season short to start summer travel ball early.
- The meeting happened as township commissioners were considering whether to approve an agreement extending the league's use of its baseball and softball fields.
- Township officials stressed that league leaders had a duty to maintain a bullying-free environment. Some parents interpreted that message as a warning that the league could face problems if Greenberg were allowed to coach.
What they're saying: "We are confident in the league's commitment to addressing any concerns related to past incidents, moving forward with integrity in its governance, and adhering to the terms of the newly extended land use agreement," Lee told Axios in a statement.
- Greenberg declined Axios' request for comment.
What we're watching: Whether Greenberg publicly addresses the ban.