Police are searching for thieves who they say targeted a local little league.
The suspects stole the pitching machine from the South Cumberland Little League in Cedarville, New Jersey, according to police.
It happened sometime between Sunday and Monday at the field on Route 553 between Cedar Lake and the Myron L. Powell Elementary School. Investigators say the thieves cut the locks from the sheds holding the $2000 machine.
“My first thought was ‘who would actually really steal from a little league team knowing that’s something we really need,’” said Rosie Rodman, a player in the league.
“It made me feel really angry,” said Scott Rodman, another player. “Because it’s like, I can’t hit, and I like hitting.”
With opening day fast approaching, the kids are now collecting donations at Powell Elementary to replace the machine as police continue to investigate.
“In this economy it’s kind of hard for us to get money as it is and then for someone to steal something of value and you have to replace it, it’s unnerving,” said South Cumberland County Little League President Kira Rollar.
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“It’s going to be used somewhere as a pitching machine,” said Cedarville Mayor Skip Bowman. “They may try to sell it. Whoever took it may think it’s worth some money and I think if they went to any other league the league would tell them to walk.”
Both the league and the township are offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information on the stolen machine. If you have any information on the theft, please call the NJ State Police Port Norris barracks at 856-785-0036.
