STOCKTON, Calif. — A wave of vandalism has brought an unexpected halt to the baseball season for the Northern Little League of Stockton, leaving over 100 young athletes without a field to play on. The incident, which occurred at the league's facilities in Oak Park, has caused significant damage, including stolen equipment, a damaged snack bar, and flooded new restrooms.
Ulysses Townsell, the league's president, expressed the organization's distress, highlighting the financial strain the damage has caused. "We're just a nonprofit, and we don't have the kind of money for the damage that has been done," Townsell lamented. The repercussions of the vandalism have rippled through the community, affecting not just the players but their families as well.
Tony Correa, a parent of one of the players, shared the emotional toll the cancellation has taken on the kids, many of whom consider their teammates family. The disruption has forced his child to transfer to another league, adding a significant commute to their daily routine. "All the kids that we have in this league have grown together. They are pretty much family. Now we are separated, so he’s kind of sad," Correa said.
The league, which operates under a lease with the city that allows them to use the park at no cost in exchange for maintenance, has faced vandalism before. However, according to Townsell, the challenges of repair have grown increasingly difficult with each incident. Despite reporting the recent vandalism to the city, the league has yet to receive a response.
The city, when asked for comment, pointed to broader issues of aging infrastructure and homelessness affecting the condition of the ballfields and bleachers. They urged residents to report any vandalism seen at city-owned parks.
In response to the crisis, the Northern Little League has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for repairs. The community is rallying to restore the facilities and bring back the cherished baseball season for the young athletes of Stockton's Northern Little League.
