It is a tough setback for a little league that has served families in Richmond for nearly two decades, after thieves stole more than $11,000 worth of equipment and left parents and volunteers scrambling to keep the games going. More than 200 kids play in the league each year. Now, parents and vo lunteers are rushing to get the fields ready with the next round of baseball games just days away. For nearly 20 years, Richmond Little League has given local kids a place to play ball, serving more than 200 children each year and — more importantly — providing a safe space and a sense of community. “To be able to have this safe place for the kids to come, meet other families, meet other friends… it’s extremely important so they stay out of trouble,” said parent Maria Rojas. Just before Labor Day weekend, thieves broke into a storage container at Nicholl Park, stealing thousands of dollars worth of equipment used to maintain the baseball fields. “Took golf cart, chain drag… power washers we use to sanitize benches,” said Daniela Rueda-Wallace of Richmond Little League. “It’s very sad I see all the work the adults put into this… I don’t understand why someone would rob the container,” Rojas said. The theft is forcing parents and volunteers to do more with less in order to get the baseball fields ready for weekend games. “We have to make sure volunteers are coming out earlier… to make sure fields are raked now instead of with the dragger,” Rueda-Wallace said. However, in just the past three days, the community has pitched in, helping the league reach its $11,000 online fundraising goal to replace the stolen equipment. “Everyone is coming together and we’re seeing the love,” Rojas said. While the money may help replace the equipment, parents say rebuilding their sense of security will take some time. “We still have the work of reestablishing trust back in our community for our families,” Rueda-Wallace added. As of tonight, there is no word on any arrests in the case. Organizers reached out to the Richmond Police Department for an update but have not yet heard back. ...read more read less