THEFT THREATENS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON

ACROSS THE AREA, boys and girls are gearing up for the upcoming Little League Baseball and Youth Softball seasons. Memories will be made and fun will be in abundance with the smiles of proud players and parents readily apparent. That is, except in La Marque and West Texas City. Heartless scoundrels broke in Bobby Beach in midDecember, causing major damage to the shed where over $3,000 in equipment once stood undisturbed. The actions of the callous and heartless resulted in La Marque’s Little League losing its MVP JUGS pitching machine, all of its baseballs and bats along with a host of T-shirts, a PA system and a chainsaw. “They did damage in ways they couldn’t imagine,” said Mike Wev, one of the league’s presidents. The break-in was a massive blow to a league that has continued to face struggles and challenges that its fellow communities don’t. Once a crown jewel of youth baseball that produced former Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister, former Rice University standouts Jacques Landry and Xavier Sandoval and La Marque High School’s single-season home run record holder David Sauceda, La Marque’s Little League has suffered along with the misfortunes that have gripped the city over the past two decades. “We don’t have the funds to easily replace what we lost,” said league president D.J. Harvey. “We can’t afford to keep the lights on, and because Bobby Beach is private property, unlike other cities where the parks are city property, we didn’t have the type of security to prevent this from happening.” This isn’t a pity party that Wev and Harvey are attempting to throw. This is the reality of their situation. A majority of the league’s players come from families that are unable to cover the price of the league’s fees, not a shock considering that nearly three quarters of the community’s children live well below the poverty line. For many parents, paying fees falls well down the list when the task of simply treading water weighs heavier. “There’s not a lot of adults willing to commit to working with these kids for the entire season,” said Wev. “A lot of them come in and once they realize the commitment that’s required to coach and set up practices, they suddenly disappear because ‘their work schedule has changed.’ It’s not only letting down the league, but it also lets down the players who are counting on them.” Despite the considerable odds that have burdened the league over the years, it has always found the strength to keep moving. While they are determined to get the 2019 season up and running, there is also a painfully brutal cloud of darkness that hangs over them. “We need the community to step up,” said Wev. “We need them not only to help replace the equipment that was stolen, but we need them to step up and help bring the league to where it is competitive and a fun, rewarding experience for those involved.” The other option that faces La Marque’s Little League’s future: “There’s a good chance this league will no longer exist,” said Wev. The league is currently working to start a Go Fund Me page. Those interested in contributing either financially or with their time and talents can go to the league’s website at lmwtcll.org.