Even after three strikes, Arapahoe Little League is not out.
When vandals struck the baseball complex on East Kentucky Avenue in Aurora three times in less than two weeks, busting down doors and stealing a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, league president Don Waldo was afraid the kids were headed for a big loss and maybe an early end to the baseball season.
“We give a place for these kids to play,” he said. “I don’t want to see these kids on the streets.”
In the most recent break-in, which was discovered Thursday, vandals ransacked the field house and stole eight pairs of batting gloves. No money was taken.
Waldo said the league would have to replace several doors, get a better security system and purchase a new Gator.
“We don’t have the money,” he said.
But national homebuilder KB Home is stepping up to the plate for Arapahoe Little League. The company announced Thursday that it will repair or replace the broken doors and donate up to $2,000 worth of door fixtures.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to Arapahoe Little League and I’m glad we can lend our support,” Barry Grant, president of KB Home’s Colorado division, said in a statement.
The extra help comes during a period of financial hardship for the league, which has seen decreasing registrations in recent years. But with next week’s All-Star games on the horizon, the players have more important things to worry about than economics and vandalism – things like strategy.
“Defense wins the game,” 11-year-old Steven Clark said Thursday after practice. The all-star pick wore the true signs of a little leaguer: a dirt-smeared uniform and mirrored sunglasses. “You have to have a good attitude,” he added.
David Slocum, 11, had a more straightforward approach to winning. “Hit the ball,” he said.
The boys hit the practice field five times this week, enduring coaches’ commands to “hustle,” “shake it off” and “hurry up.” Assuming vandals cause no further damage to the field, the players are in shape to win.
“You’re all all-stars,” manager Andy Coleman told his team. “Hands in.”
“Who are we?” Coleman shouted.
“Arapahoe!”
“What are we gonna do?”
“Win!”
Staff writer Abbe Smith can be reached at 303-820-1201 or asmith@denverpost.com.
