$14,000 in Girls Softball Equipment Stolen

With just a week left before tryouts for the upcoming season begin, about $14,000 in equipment was stolen from the Union City Girls Softball Association out of their storage unit.

Joseph Kan Hai, president of the softball league, said he received a call at 9 a.m. Friday morning notifying him that someone had broken into their storage container, which was located at the park. The exact time of the burglary is unknown, he said.

According to Kan Hai, 14 team bags consisting of helmets, bats, balls, bases and other items were stolen. Miscellaneous items, such as tools and a garden hose, were also stolen.

“You’d need a big truck to carry all that,” he said.

“Either somebody’s trying to hurt us, or someone’s desperate for money,” Kan Hai added. “It’s used equipment. Even if you were to turn around and sell it, you wouldn’t get much.”

The nonprofit sports league serves local girls ages 4 to 14 and has been a vital recreational institution for more than 35 years, said Kan Hai, who has been with the organization for seven years.

Last year, there were 190 girls in the league, according to Kan Hai.

Tryouts are scheduled to begin next Saturday, with the season starting in March.

While there’s enough equipment to proceed with the tryouts, there isn’t enough to kick-off the season, Kan Hai said.

“We’re a nonprofit. We do what we can to raise money, but now we’re going to have to work harder,” he said.

Anyone interested in donating to the Union City Girls Softball Association may contact Kan Hai at 510-921-0670.

For more information on the Union City Girls Softball Association, visit their website or like them on Facebook.