As youth baseball season approaches in Long Beach, a troubling act of vandalism has cast a shadow over the city’s most celebrated Little League. Long Beach Little League, operating out of Stearns Champions Park, recently discovered that nearly all of its lights had been stripped of copper wiring over the weekend.
A Historic League Facing Disruption
Long Beach Little League holds a distinguished place in the history of youth baseball, having won the Little League World Series in both 1991 and 1992. With Opening Day just three weeks away, the theft poses a significant challenge to the league’s ability to hold games and practices, particularly during evening hours.
“Everyone’s schedule will be shrunk down, we’re going to have to trim back games,” said Doug Wittman, Long Beach Little League president. “We’re already losing practice times this week and we’re overloaded with about 600 kids this year. The loss of the lights will really hurt.”
The Scope of the Theft
The thieves targeted the power boxes located at the base of the light poles, using a Sawzall to gain access. In addition to the copper wiring, cage chain locks were cut, and an expensive pitching machine was stolen. The incident has left league officials saddened and scrambling for solutions.
The theft is part of a larger, nationwide problem. Increased demand for copper has led to higher prices, incentivizing thieves to target public infrastructure. The city of Los Angeles has already experienced a surge in streetlight outages due to similar thefts, with reported outages nearly tripling between 2018 and 2024.
Efforts to Combat Theft
State lawmakers recently passed Assembly Bill 476 in October, which aims to regulate scrap metal recyclers by requiring them to verify the identity and ownership of sellers. However, the high demand and price for copper continue to fuel the thefts. City leadership in Long Beach has discussed preventative measures, such as layering concrete around light pole bases, but thieves have adapted by digging further down to access the wiring.
If repairs are not completed quickly, the league may be forced to significantly reduce its game schedule. It is possible that the city will prioritize repairs to allow for at least some nighttime play. Alternatively, the league could explore temporary lighting solutions, though this would likely require additional funding. The situation could also prompt increased security measures at Stearns Champions Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was stolen from Long Beach Little League?
Copper wiring from nearly all of the lights at Stearns Champions Park, cage chain locks, and an expensive pitching machine were stolen.
Is this theft part of a larger trend?
Yes, the theft is part of a nationwide trend of increased copper thefts due to rising prices and demand.
What is being done to address the issue of copper theft?
State lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 476 to regulate scrap metal recyclers, and city leadership is discussing preventative measures like concrete layering around light poles.
As Long Beach Little League prepares for the season, how might communities balance the need to protect public resources with ensuring access to recreational opportunities for young athletes?
