Bayonne Little League warns fans about unofficial team merchandise

BAYONNE, N.J. (PIX11) -- Bayonne’s Little League World Series run has sparked a surge in demand for Fighting Bees merchandise, but league officials are warning fans to be cautious when shopping online.

The Fighting Bees may have lost Sunday, but pride in Bayonne remains strong as fans continue rallying around the team during its run in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Supporters have filled local bars, worn “Bayonne vs. Everybody” shirts and celebrated a team many say has united the city.

“I played, my son played, all these guys played,” fan Shawn Paradine said. “We’re ready to go. Let’s go, Bayonne.”

But as enthusiasm builds, Bayonne Little League says some online retailers are trying to profit from the team’s success by selling unauthorized merchandise.

In a social-media post, the league said it does not operate an online store and warned that merchandise using the league’s name or likeness without permission is prohibited.

“We have seen websites selling T-shirts in excess of $100 along with other merchandise,” the league said in the post.

League officials said those sellers are not affiliated with Bayonne Little League and that the products violate Little League International copyright protections.

“$100? That’s the first time I’m hearing about it,” said Mickey Czok, owner of The Starting Point Bar & Grill.

Fans say they would rather support the league and local sellers than buy unofficial products online.

“It’s not something I would support,” one fan said.

The warning comes as official gear becomes increasingly difficult to find. Paradine said he and other fans recently went to Marty Reed Field hoping to buy shirts, only to encounter a lengthy wait.

“We tried to go down to Little League today, and there was a two-hour wait just for T-shirts,” Paradine said.

Hudson County’s Office of Consumer Affairs says it works to protect residents from fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices. For Bayonne supporters, the advice is simple: make sure the gear is legitimate before spending money.

“Get the real stuff, and support the Bayonne guys making the T-shirts as well,” Paradine said.

Bayonne’s next scheduled game is Tuesday, Aug. 25th, when the Fighting Bees are set to face the winner of Monday’s matchup between the Great Lakes regional champions from Hamilton, Ohio, and the Southwest regional champions from Boerne, Texas.