Baseball equipment stolen from visiting team

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A baseball team from Jacksonville has fallen victim to some foul play after someone stole their van with all their baseball equipment.

Trinity Christian Academy raised money and traveled hundreds of miles to South Florida to play in an important baseball tournament, one where several college scouts are expected to recruit players. "Most of the kids at fundraisers, they've used their own money to get here, and we've looked forward to the trip all year long," said Coach Derek Smith.

Wednesday night the team went to a University of Miami baseball game, and when they returned to their hotel located just off Cypress Creek Road, their 2001 Chevy 15-passenger van filled with all of their equipment was gone.

The team was scheduled to play at 4 p.m. Thursday and will now have to borrow equipment from rival teams to play in the tournament.

Trinity Christian Academy consists of mostly high school juniors and seniors who are very superstitious about using other equipment, but unfortunately, they have no choice. "It was sad because all of our stuff was in there, and my first thing was, 'How are we going to hit?' Our helmets are in there, our bats are in there, our balls. I'm just shocked," said Nathan Smith.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating the stolen van.

If you have any information on this robbery, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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