The American Dream of fame and fortune is a theme that has existed for hundreds of years. In recent years, athletes from around the world have pursued this dream by bringing their talents to the NHL, NBA, NFL, and, mostly, to Major League Baseball. However, in pursuing the American Dream for himself and his son Danny, Felipe Almonte broke the rules and likely impaired his son's future.

Felipe Almonte knew exactly what he was doing. By changing the birth date on Danny's birth certificate, the 14 year old Danny was able to pitch in the Little League World Series tournament designed for 11 and 12 year olds; a tournament for which he was not in the country to compete in during the opening rounds. Throughout the Rolando Paulino "Baby Bombers" run to Williamsport, PA, the age of the virtually unhittable Almonte was in constant question. All the while, the name Danny Almonte was known in households nationwide. The phenom was the talk of workplaces, sports radio talk shows, and even news programs. Almonte was famous, in his own right. Nevertheless, the idea that a 12 year old could throw well over 70 miles an hour and demonstrate such excellent command of a curveball seemed farfetched. As we would unsurprisingly find out, the story of Danny Almonte was too good to be true.

The team from the Bronx lost the U.S. championship game before Almonte's true age was confirmed. Afterwards, the Rolando Paulino team was barred from participating in future Little League World Series tournaments and stripped of their New York title. Almonte's teammates likely felt betrayed by whoever was responsible for their disqualification. Hopefully, they realized that Danny was just as much a victim of his father's fraudulent acts as they were.

Many will argue that Almonte did nothing that other gifted baseball players from Latin American countries haven't done before. In recent years, players such as Adrian Beltre, Leslie Brea, and Orlando ?El Duque? Hernandez have claimed to be younger than they were to better attract American scouts. At such a young age though, major league teams were not even close to discussing Danny's future prospects. Almonte's domination during the Little League World Series did not even guarantee that he would be a future star, as very few of the tournament's stars ever show up in the major leagues. Very few even go on to play high school baseball. Nobody knows what fate will await Danny Almonte.

While Almonte's future remains uncertain, it's good to know that the present is somewhat stable, barring possible deportation. Danny recently played his first game with members of his own age group and was enrolled in the proper level of school. While he may not be the child baseball prodigy that he was a month ago, the recent end to the controversy may finally allow him to live the life of a normal 14 year old.

SPORTS BRIEFS

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