A Humble little league team bands together after thieves steal funds meant for uniforms and tournament fees from their coach’s vehicle.
HUMBLE, Texas — A Humble little league baseball team is working to recover after thieves broke into their coach’s vehicle and stole nearly $3,000 in cash the team had raised for uniforms and tournament fees. The theft occurred in broad daylight at a shopping center parking lot, prompting the community to rally around the young athletes.
Coach Marcus Thorton of the Huffman 12U All Stars had just withdrawn the money from a bank and stopped at a shopping center for a quick lunch with his children when the break-in occurred. When he returned to his truck, he discovered the devastating scene.
“The whole window was laying on the floor board. Glass was everywhere. Console was wide open,” Thorton said.
The stolen funds represented money that parents had paid upfront for team expenses, expecting to be reimbursed later. Most of the cash had already been earmarked for uniforms, tournament fees, and other team costs.
“Having to let these parents know that their money was gone and that, you know, it it it was very it was very rough,” Thorton explained.
Team mom Jasmine Oerlemans emphasized the significance of the loss, saying “we’ve worked really hard to fundraise that money.”
Rather than letting the setback derail their season, the young players have taken matters into their own hands. The entire team, dressed in their uniforms, has been fundraising and working at a local business whose owner allowed them to stop by and work for tips.
Player Ryan Durham, who has been helping clean tables, expressed his frustration with the theft while maintaining a positive outlook.
“Makes me mad because that’s just wrong,” he said, but added that the team remains united: “we love and care for each other and try our best.”
The community response has been swift and supportive. Thomas McDaniel spoke to the importance of community involvement, saying “It’s very important for the community to jump in there and help out.”
Coach Thorton has reported the theft to Humble police. Despite the setback, the team is preparing for a tournament scheduled for the following day, determined not to let the crime derail their baseball season.
The young athletes’ resilience and the community’s quick response demonstrate how adversity can bring people together, turning a devastating theft into an opportunity for the team and their neighbors to show their character.