Copper Wire Theft Leaves Little League Kids In The Dark

GRAND TERRACE (CBSLA.com) — Little league players from teams across Grand Terrace Friday asked the community to pitch in and get the lights back up and running at their only lighted baseball field.

Robert Bond, a Grand Terrace Little League board member, says thieves broke into the little league field a couple of weeks ago and stole lights along with $5,000 in copper wiring.

"It's a bummer because, you know, we're doing this to give back to our kids. To do things to keep our kids off the street and provide them a safe haven to play and now they're out," Bond said.

Some 400 kids play in the league with games typically scheduled for twice a week in the evening.

The theft, however, has forced the kids to resort to only playing in the daytime resulting in double headers on Saturday.

"It's hard on me because I'm the catcher. I have to wear all that gear so it gets really hot fast," said 13-year-old "Wicked" player Becky Waters.

If the lights aren't back on soon, the league will have to cancel the 7 All-Star tournaments scheduled at home.

The games help fund the league through sales from the concession stand without which thousands of dollars will be lost and the fate of next season could be up in the air.

"It's just kind of heartbreaking. It takes away the love and passion that I have for the game," said 11-year-old Adrian Bond, a "Rangers" player.

The little league members planned return to the Stater Bros. market on Barton Road on Saturday to continue their fundraising fight.