OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - A Metro Detroit baseball league for kids was swindled out of thousands of dollars worth of brand new baseball gear after thieves targeted an equipment shed.
According to WXYZ, the Waterford Coaches Association in Oakland County said the robbery was discovered over the weekend when bags full of baseball helmets, catcher's gear and more went missing from the league's storage shed.
“Came back here, discovered lock was cut,” WCA equipment director Chris Clayvon said to WXYZ. "The chain that was on the lock was a pretty big chain and someone had some serious bolt cutters and decided to cut it.”
The league said thieves made off with roughly $9,400 worth of equipment — some of it brand new — which will be difficult to replace; the Waterford Coaches Association is a nonprofit organization which is run by volunteers.
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WCA Vice President Craig Sheridan said, “losing the equipment and having to replace it is very tough for our league.”
The bags were full of equipment needed for teams to play — Sheridan said if they cannot replace the gear, there won't be a season.
A reward of $500 is being offered by the league for any tips leading to the recovery of the stolen items.
“I hope they (thieves) feel really bad about what they did," Sheridan said to WXYZ. "It’s not hurting us, it’s hurting the little kids out there playing everyday, trying to find something to do with their summer."
The Waterford Police Department is asking the community to keep an eye out and report any information to authorities at 248-674-0351.
The association has been in official operation since 1978 with local famous athletes such as Dylan Larkin and Kirk Gibson as former players.
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