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KEARNS — A little league baseball complex has lost its only way of raising money after someone broke into its snack shack using a sledgehammer and stole all of the candy and money inside.

On Monday night, someone broke through a concrete wall — probably using a sledgehammer — and made away with $400 in candy and $85 in cash.

The mess left behind by the burglar was discovered Tuesday afternoon during a routine checkup, according to police.

It doesn't sound like a lot, but the baseball teams pay thousands of dollars every year to play their games, and they get their funding through the snack shack. But today it's closed, boarded up — and the season just started. The players were crushed.

"I was just sad, and mad, too," said Jordon Dolato, a member of the team. His mother, Ashley Dolato, said the game is "everything for him."

"When he gets home from school, he puts his baseball uniform on," she said.

Does the league have money saved up? No. –Andy Curtis

The snack shack is also how the teams make money to pay umpires for the games, according to Andy Curtis, president of the Kearns Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken League.

Last year they spent about $10,000 in umpire fees. The money also pays for equipment: about $7,000 worth of helmets, bats and baseballs.

The non-profit, volunteer-run league will also have to fix the damage, a couple thousand dollars' worth.

"Does the league have money saved up? No," Curtis said.

The teams will now start raising funds on their own, but still hope they'll get their money and candy back. Teams are now going to have to start fundraising to pay for the damage and their games. To help, click here.*

*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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