Atlanta's Simpson Road Trojans Honored Decades After Little League Controversy

The all-Black Little League team was denied a chance at the World Series in 1962 due to a false accusation.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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More than six decades after being denied their shot at the Little League World Series, Atlanta's Simpson Road Trojans were finally honored at City Hall this week, recognizing their historic achievements and the adversity they faced as the first all-Black team from Georgia to earn a World Series invitation. The team was sidelined in 1962 by an accusation of having an overaged player, which was later proven false, preventing them from fulfilling their World Series dream.

Why it matters

The Simpson Road Trojans' story highlights the systemic racism and discrimination that Black athletes faced in the era of Jim Crow, even at the youth sports level. Their long-overdue recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers that stood in the way of Black excellence and the importance of preserving the legacies of trailblazing teams like the Trojans.

The details

In 1962, the Simpson Road Trojans made history as the first all-Black team from Georgia to earn an invitation to the Little League World Series. However, the team was sidelined by an accusation of having an overaged player, a claim that was later proven false. By then, it was too late for the Trojans to fulfill their World Series dream.

  • In 1962, the Simpson Road Trojans earned an invitation to the Little League World Series.
  • The team was denied their chance to compete in the World Series due to a false accusation of having an overaged player.
  • This week, in 2026, eight surviving players, their coach, and family members gathered at Atlanta City Hall to be honored with a proclamation.

The players

Terrance Chatman

Co-executive producer of a new documentary about the Simpson Road Trojans.

Larry Morrow

Coach of the Simpson Road Trojans in 1962.

Dr. Eddy Von-Mueller

Co-executive producer of the documentary about the Simpson Road Trojans.

Levi Miller

The team's third baseman in 1962.

Byron Amos

Atlanta City Councilman who initiated the proclamation honoring the Simpson Road Trojans.

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What they’re saying

“We were just 12-year-old kids who loved baseball. The more adversity they experienced, the more they triumphed over all of it.”

— Terrance Chatman, Co-executive producer

“Back then, there were people who tried to keep us from going.”

— Larry Morrow, Coach

“We'd like to think that kids are exempt from the casual brutality that systemic racism and Jim Crow meant. But the truth is, it wasn't just that they were Black—it was that they were winning.”

— Dr. Eddy Von-Mueller, Co-executive producer

“It meant so much. God blessed us to do what we did.”

— Levi Miller, Third baseman

What’s next

The documentary about the Simpson Road Trojans is expected to be released later this year, bringing the team's inspiring story to a wider audience.

The takeaway

The long-overdue recognition of the Simpson Road Trojans serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers that stood in the way of Black excellence in sports during the era of Jim Crow, and the importance of preserving the legacies of trailblazing teams that faced adversity but persevered.