Local Little League Team Left Shattered After Thieves Make Off with Thousands of Dollars' Worth of Equipment.
A Hayward, California-based youth baseball team is reeling after their clubhouse was burglarized, leaving behind a trail of destruction and financial devastation. According to reports, the thieves made off with over $15,000 worth of equipment, including new practice and player gear, a PA system, and even a commercial-grade popcorn machine used for fundraising.
The break-in occurred early Friday morning, and surveillance footage shows the culprits carting off the stolen items in a vehicle. Notably, one of the thieves wore a mask, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime.
For Maria Hartin-Swart, president of Treeview Little League, the incident is not only financially crippling but also emotionally distressing. "I'd have to say it's super disappointing, heartbreaking," she said. "Kids were going to play baseball, and this happened."
The team had previously experienced a break-in during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led them to padlock their doors. However, they were forced to change their locks again after the latest incident.
Hartin-Swart expressed her frustration, stating that children are often the target of theft, particularly in non-profit organizations like hers. "I really wish kids weren't the target," she said. "I don't think people understand the magnitude of what that does to a nonprofit, completely volunteer-organized."
The Hayward Police Department is currently investigating the break-in and is urging anyone with information to come forward. In response to the incident, the community has rallied around the team, donating over $5,000 on their GoFundMe page.
As the baseball season approaches, Hartin-Swart remains hopeful that the outpouring of support will help her team recover from this devastating loss. "It's small, but it is mighty," she said, expressing gratitude to her community for its kindness and generosity.
A Hayward, California-based youth baseball team is reeling after their clubhouse was burglarized, leaving behind a trail of destruction and financial devastation. According to reports, the thieves made off with over $15,000 worth of equipment, including new practice and player gear, a PA system, and even a commercial-grade popcorn machine used for fundraising.
The break-in occurred early Friday morning, and surveillance footage shows the culprits carting off the stolen items in a vehicle. Notably, one of the thieves wore a mask, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime.
For Maria Hartin-Swart, president of Treeview Little League, the incident is not only financially crippling but also emotionally distressing. "I'd have to say it's super disappointing, heartbreaking," she said. "Kids were going to play baseball, and this happened."
The team had previously experienced a break-in during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led them to padlock their doors. However, they were forced to change their locks again after the latest incident.
Hartin-Swart expressed her frustration, stating that children are often the target of theft, particularly in non-profit organizations like hers. "I really wish kids weren't the target," she said. "I don't think people understand the magnitude of what that does to a nonprofit, completely volunteer-organized."
The Hayward Police Department is currently investigating the break-in and is urging anyone with information to come forward. In response to the incident, the community has rallied around the team, donating over $5,000 on their GoFundMe page.
As the baseball season approaches, Hartin-Swart remains hopeful that the outpouring of support will help her team recover from this devastating loss. "It's small, but it is mighty," she said, expressing gratitude to her community for its kindness and generosity.
Just when you think there's no good in the world, some little league team gets robbed outta $15k worth of equipment 
Those popcorn machines might be a nice touch though... 
, can you believe some people would steal all that stuff from a little league team? $15k is like, so much money 
...and they just took everything including the popcorn machine 
. Hopefully the community can keep supporting them and help them get back on their feet 
. It's not just the money that's a big deal, it's all the equipment and stuff they're gonna have to replace. And what really gets me is that kids are often the target in these kinds of situations. I know how much volunteering means to non-profits like this one 
... anyway, it's awesome that the community is rallying around them 
after something like this happened before... I mean, can't people just be honest for once? 
! That commercial-grade popcorn machine was such a great fundraiser for the team too 
$5k is a start, but they're gonna need way more than that to get back up 
. They just want to play ball 
...
what's the point of even having a clubhouse if they're just gonna smash it all up anyway? 
Those little leaguers just got hit hard with a tough break 
️!
. The kids are still gonna play baseball, right? Maybe this will be an opportunity for them to sell some of the good stuff online or something 
. a break-in at a little league team's clubhouse? that's not just random theft, that's like, someone's trying to disrupt the kids' lives, you know? and $15k worth of equipment just gets taken without a struggle? it's like they had inside help or something 
. I mean, kids shouldn't have to worry about thieves ruining their sports experience! But at the same time, kudos to the community for coming together and showing them love 
. Let's hope that sweet kindness can help the team bounce back from this tough break 
.