Berkeley Little League Board Suspends Official After Assault Incident

A Berkeley Little League official has been suspended from the league and banned from the complex on Moorage Avenue, after police charged him with assaulting a Toms River coach.

"Berkeley Little League in no way condones this type of behavior and will deal with it strongly," league President Robert J. Everett Jr. said. "Our member has sincerely apologized for his action and the embarrassment to our league."

Thomas Kwatkoski was arrested by Police Officer Rip Bodulich around 3:30 p.m. July 2, shortly after the incident occurred, Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said.

Kwatkoski had entered the dugout of the Toms River team several times during the afternoon, once to question the legality of a bat being used, Smith said.

He is accused of punching Toms River coach Denton Munson, 40, in the face. He was charged with simple assault. Munson refused medical treatment, Smith said.

"As soon as the officer was notified of the incident, he did some investigating and placed the guy under arrest," Smith said.

The incident took place during a District 18 game between Toms River and Stafford Township.

Kwatkoski apologized to the Berkeley Little League board at a meeting Tuesday night, Everett said.

"He has immediately accepted a full suspension from our organization, pending a formal hearing as required by our by-laws," Everett said. "He is not allowed at our complex."

The Berkeley Little League board apologized to Munson, the Toms River East Little League, District 18 and "most importantly" to all the children that were at this event," he said.

"Our organization is shocked, troubled and saddened by this incident involving a person that to this point had been an outstanding member of our organization," Everett said. "His actions are not condoned or defended by our league."

Kwatkoski was vice president of the league's building and grounds operations, he said.

Everett said it was particulary ironic the incident occurred, since the Berkeley Little League has a mandatory program — Positive Coaching Alliance — for parents and coaches.

"We will continue, and in fact redouble our efforts to provide a safe, positive and fun environment for our children and guests," he said