CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When the COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns around the world, the Corpus Christi Police Athletic League's baseball fields became the target of theft and vandalism.
"I have wiring that was stolen and the building was vandalized in the middle of refurbishing, so I'm trying to replace all that," said Corpus Christi Police Athletic League President Ronald Zirbes. "I had bleachers that were stolen, so I got to replace bleachers; there's a big list of things."
Zirbes said the fields were already in disrepair at the onset of the pandemic; the vandalism further worsened the situation. A complete remodel is now necessary to bring back the same energy—and the children—to the ballgame.
"We cater to at risk kids to get them off the streets and keep them active, you know get them involved in sports. We have a lot of mentoring we have police officers that are actually coaches and mentors to these kids," he said.
However, to reach that goal, it will require substantial funding. Zirbes stated, "The field itself costs nearly four hundred thousand dollars."
Kids like Eli Gonzales and Ayden Alvarado, who play for the Banditos, enjoy mastering the physical aspects of the game.
"Hitting and pitching," said Gonzales.
They also focus on instilling values and creating memories that will stay with these young athletes throughout their lives.
"Teamwork and how the coaches are to us. They're nice and they care about us," Alvarado said.
Zirbes said that the Police Athletic League is looking for donations so they can help bring the game of baseball to more youth in our community.
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