(John Russo/The Press of Atlantic City)
Left-handed pitcher Jason Groome has been highly touted headed into 2016 as a strong candidate for the Phillies to select with their number one overall draft pick. But Groome's 2016 season is not going to continue as planned and Phillies scouts will not be able to watch Groome pitch for the next 30 days. Groome reportedly has been suspended for violating the state transfer rule.
Michael McGarry of the Press of Atlantic City reports:
he Barnegat School District released a statement this afternoon confirming the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association ruled Groome ineligible because he violated the rule that requires athletes who transfer without a bonafide change of residence to sit the first 30 days of the season or half of the team’s total number of games for the season. The NSJIAA defines a bonafide change of residence as a move from one public school district to another.
Groome transferred back to Barnegat from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, prior to the 2016 academic year. Because he did not properly demonstrate a change of residency, league rules require that he forfeits half of the team's games.
The Phillies were present for he no-hitter Groome threw that now does not count. Since Groome would be eligible to pitch the remainder of the season, the Phillies and other clubs will still have an opportunity to scout him.
Michael McGarry of the Press of Atlantic City reports that Groome will be eligible once again May 1.
