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POMFRET — Mike Tyson's 12-year-old son, Amir, and his Bethesda Little League baseball teammates were victorious July 11 at the Southern Maryland Youth Organization complex in Pomfret in their opening game of the District 7 Major Division All-Star tournament, edging St. Mary's American Little League, 3-2.

The word was out that Mike Tyson was supposed to be in attendance Sunday to watch his son play, but the buzz turned out to be a false alarm. The controversial former heavyweight boxing champion –– whose embattled life and iconic sports stature are woven together –– was a no-show at the Little League game.

Amir Tyson's mother, Monica Turner, was on hand Sunday. She was married to Tyson for almost six years before they divorced in 2003. Turner is also the sister of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, now the chairperson of the Republican National Committee.

"It's no big deal," Bethesda Little League president Brant Hester said of having Tyson around to watch his son play. "He's been around once or twice, and he's very graceful. He signs autographs. He roots just like any other parent. After the first time, the commotion dies down and he's just another fan. Amir handles it really well."

Amir Tyson definitely has the brawny genes of his father, with a tall frame that dwarves the rest of his teammates.

A few weeks ago, Hester heard it was possible that Tyson could make an appearance to SMYO this week during the tournament.

"I never got the final answer, because I think he's got a TV show and he's doing a lot of traveling in Europe or Russia," Hester said. "So I don't know."

Hester noted Amir Tyson has improved on the diamond from a year ago. Amir Tyson played first base Sunday.

"His mom is one of our biggest fans. She's here all the time," Bethesda head coach Miles Grody said. "We don't even focus on [Amir being Tyson's son]. We treat all of our players the same."

Grody added that Mike Tyson does not live in the Bethesda area.

Bethesda, a third-year program, captured its inaugural win in the double-elimination tournament after losing four straight the last couple summers.