UPDATE: (KYTX) The vehicle stolen over the weekend at a Bullard Baseball complex has now been recovered.

A member of the Bullard Baseball/ Softball Association tells CBS19 he was contacted by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday night to recover the stolen vehicle.

The utility vehicle was found in a property near the complex with some damage.

Four people were detained at the residence.

We will have more information as it becomes available.

 

 

(KYTX) – Vandals targeted an East Texas baseball field over the weekend leaving behind thousands of dollars in damage.

The baseball complex owned by the Bullard Baseball/ Softball Association was hit hard with damage and stolen property.

The association estimates the vandalism and the stolen equipment will cost them about upwards of $7,000.

But the organization says this isn’t about them, it’s all about the 550 kids that play on their fields every season.

One player is 7-year-old Luke Alexander, an aspiring professional baseball player.

“I like to play baseball and I like to do it with my dad and my brother,” said Luke.

But over the weekend — vandals broke into the baseball complex − damaging the concession stand and stealing a utility vehicle used for upkeep of the fields.

“It’s quite devastating to our organization,” said Shayne Tatum, a board member for the organization. “We’re all volunteers. We’re self-funded.”

The complex is maintained and owned by the Bullard Baseball/ Softball Association with the help of volunteers like Tatum.

Since the organization is independent, there is no city or county funding to help maintain the fields.

“When things like this happen, it just takes away that ability to serve the youth in this area,” explained Tatum.

Board members of the association say they hope to stay open and free for anyone to use, but fear if something like this happens again, they will have to keep it locked and private.

“That’s a little too far and kind of foolish and certainly doesn’t need to happen,” said Cory Zahirniak, a board member.

Zahirniak says this is just another speed bump the organization will overcome.

“There’s not a tighter group than this group right here,” Zahirniak said. “So someone will run their mouth, and we’ll catch them. There’s no doubt.”

The association says it will look into purchasing surveillance equipment or limiting hours of operation as a last resort.

Board members say they will not press charges IF the utility vehicle is returned by November 20th.

If you have any information you are urged to call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.