MOBILE, Alabama — If the Westside Little League 11-12-year-old all-stars want to earn a berth in the Little League World series later this summer, the team must win on the baseball diamond and in the courtroom.

Mobile County Circuit Court Judge John Lockett issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday afternoon which paves the way for Westside’s 10-, 11- and 12-year-old all-star teams to begin district tournament play on July 5. The court action is the latest turn in the local group’s dispute with Little League International.

“The court hereby finds that Westside has demonstrated a liklihood of success on the merits, the threat of irreparable harm if the temporary restraining Order is not granted, that the threatened injury to Westside outweighs any harm to the Defendant, Little League Baseball, Inc., and that granting the injunction will not disserve the public interest,” the judge’s order reads.

Little League International spokesman Steve Barr learned of the judge’s decision when contacted by the Press-Register and said the organization generally doesn’t comment on litigation. Efforts to reach Michelle Arbitrio, Little League’s attorney, at her White Plains, N.Y., office failed.

A hearing is scheduled for July 8 in Lockett’s courtroom to further rule on the dispute.

Westside Petition for Temporary Restraining Order.pdf

Westside Judge Order for temporary restraining order.pdf

via Westside Little League all-stars to play in wake of Mobile Circuit Court ruling (PDF of ruling attached) | al.com.