A Case of Destructive Vandalism
Juveniles trashed South Salem High’s Gilmore Field December Fifth
It’s a cut and dried case of criminal mischief, but more than that—it negatively impacts the South Salem High School baseball program.
Around twilight on Monday, a pair of teens decided to take their 4X4 pick-up truck “mudding”—a destructive joy ride across the turf of South Salem’s Gilmore Field on Hoyt Street in SE Salem.
The two suspects left behind several three to six-inch deep ruts across the green, waterlogged baseball surface, before abandoning their vehicle high-centered on the elevated grass berm along the street.
Saxon baseball coach Max Price can only shake his head knowingly. Gilmore Field is the victim of numerous property crimes every year. This latest damage is simply part of the almost monthly onslaught of harm done to the facility.
“I hope this helps demonstrate how badly the field deserves better security,” laments Price.
“It should be fenced in. It should have security lights. It should be a priority.”
Indeed, some limited security lighting has been installed at Gilmore Field, but it is still relatively easy for a car or truck to be driven onto the field itself. Only alert neighbors living within sight of the facility saved the field from further damage in this latest incident by immediately calling police and Price himself. But it doesn’t help undo the damage.
“Tonight will get the publicity, but this isn’t a new feeling for us,” admits Price.
“It’s constant.”
Price, his young son, and members of the team have invested hours of volunteer time into maintaining Gilmore Field. That work is on top of the scheduled maintenance done by school district crews. A newer scoreboard in right-center field is perhaps the most visible evidence of efforts to keep the baseball stadium pristine and playable.
As for the teens involved in the vandalism, Price says he is hopeful some good can from the incident, and that the young adults who destroyed the field surface can learn from their detention, and take steps to do good in their lives in the future.
No monetary estimate has been made on the extent of damage done to Gilmore Field, and no timeline has been established for completion of repairs.
Price says the team has been working to find a way to build an indoor hitting facility. This latest incident is expected to be a huge step backward in that process.
Liked Mark’s report (but dislike why he is having to share). Not the first time vandalism and destruction have occurred on S/K property. Saw a number of reaction statements, calling for financial support. Also saw one or two, suggesting the parents of the teens should be at the forefront of fundraising, with the boys a major portion of investing their free time to repair (and hopefully learning the consequences of their actions). Too harsh…most likely not… My 2 cents, as a retired teacher from South…
Would be a better idea to take them from detention and have them pay for and do the repair work necessary to what they did to know actually how much effort is required to keep up this field. Sad to hear this.