HAYWARD — Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of baseball equipment and other items from the Treeview Little League clubhouse Friday, putting the start of its season in jeopardy, according to officials and police.
The messy theft, which was captured on surveillance video, happened about 3:20 a.m. Friday at the clubhouse, which is part of El Rancho Verde Park on Amelia Avenue.
Because of a prior break-in in 2020 the clubhouse had padlocked doors and added lights, but those measures did not stop the thieves, league officials said in an online fundraiser post.
The narrative emphasizes “THEY STOLE FROM KIDS” and said what happened “hits us like a bat to the head.”
The narrative says that the thieves took player and team equipment, hitting nets, field PA systems, and items for the concession stand. “They even took the tub with paper products to serve the popcorn!,” Maria Swart wrote in the online post. “They tore apart cabinets, our cash register, and walked out with numerous items we use to fund league operations.”
The narrative says the season is less than a month away “and the league is in the challenge or rebuilding for the opening,” and it is difficult to reach out to the community for support. “We are not a big league; we are a very small family-oriented league who continues to strive to make big league dreams for kids of all ages. Any little bit helps us, and we can’t thank you enough as we try to recover.”
As of midday Monday, the account had raised $5,900 toward a goal of $10,000. Those wishing to donate can access the account at gofund.me/c7c8cb2b7.
Anyone with information about the theft may call Hayward police at 510-293-7176.
League officials could not directly be reached for comment. According to its website the league was established in 1962 and has been serving kids and families in the Fairway Park, El Rancho Verde, Bidwell and South Hayward areas.