Baseball players at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove are asking for donations after thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of gear and equipment.
The baseball team had to cancel its opening season game last Friday against Saddleback Valley Christian and suspend all practices until the school and parents can find replacement gear, school officials said.
The items were taken last Wednesday from two storage sheds outside the varsity field dugout.
“It’s a mystery in terms of how they cut through the locks, it’s really baffling,” said Principal Denise Jay.
Among the stolen items were mitts, bats, helmets, cleats, catching gear and a pitching machine. The total value was estimated at $10,000 to $12,000. About 80% of the items were the personal belongings of the 35 varsity and junior varsity players.
The theft was considered a big loss for a school where about 70% of students receive free or reduced lunches and a lot of parents are already struggling because of the economy.
Jay said the school and parents were pooling their resources to raise money.
“We’re trying to keep them in the competitive spirit,” Jay said. “We are determined to get out there again.”
People interested in donating equipment or cash may contact the school at (714) 663-6424.
— Ching-Ching Ni