"It's not a good feeling inside spending all that money and just getting it taken away, just overnight," said team player Mario Nieto.
Wednesday night, thieves made it to the ball field, broke into the sheds and stole a pitching machine valued at $1,800, as well as aluminum bats, gloves and shoes. About 80 percent of what was stolen was personal gear belonging to the players.
"I lost one of my gloves and all three of my bats," said Jake Flores. "Like $800 worth of stuff, just mine. My most expensive [bat] was $350."
Some of the players were able to replace their stolen gear, so it will be "batter up" this week for the Matadors as they resume regular season play.
Garden Grove Police are investigating the thefts.
"A lot of the players can't afford to replace all the things that they lost, so it's hard on the players and the parents, who are going to have to try and come up with the stuff," said Kyle Strobehn, a player on the team.
"The cost of baseball equipment is enormous, so any contributions, donations, whether it's monetary or equipment itself, in terms of mitts, cleats, catching gear, pitching machines, would be greatly appreciated," said Denise Jay, a parent.
