BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) As the Bakersfield Train Robbers prepare to open their season in May, another Pecos League team has shut down its year after repeated copper wire thefts left its stadium without working facilities.
The Vallejo Seaweeds recently announced they are canceling their season after copper wire was stolen from their stadium.
It’s the second year in a row the Seaweeds have dealt with the same problem.
Train Robbers prepare for May opener as Vallejo Seaweeds cancel season after copper thefts{ }(KBAK/KBFX)
“They stole the wire and got in there and stripped it. Not just from there but pulled it out of the ground and took as much copper as they could,” said Andrew Dunn, the director of the Pecos League.
Dunn said the theft created a basic operational issue that ultimately forced the team’s hand.
“They told us Thursday that we were not going to be able to use the restrooms and that kind of made us force our hand because we weren’t going to be able to play there,” Dunn said.
Copper theft continues to be an ongoing issue in California.
In Bakersfield, however, the Bakersfield Police Department said property theft in the city was down by about 40 percent from 2020 through 2024.
Still, local baseball officials say security remains a major focus as the Train Robbers get ready for opening day at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
“It takes a lot of time for security to come out here. Doug Almond runs my security out here. Countless hours driving by making sure everything is locked, coming into the stadium and making sure everything is locked up,” said Mike Nieto of A Game Sports Association.
Train Robbers prepare for May opener as Vallejo Seaweeds cancel season after copper thefts (KBAK/KBFX)
City officials said they are also keeping watch over the ballpark.
“We want this to be a great experience,” said District 3 Kern County Supervisor, Jeff Flores.
“We’ve got some good security fencing around the perimeter, and we also have park ranger that manage our assets.”
Flores also urged the public to report suspicious activity.
Train Robbers prepare for May opener as Vallejo Seaweeds cancel season after copper thefts (KBAK/KBFX)
“Anyone from the public that sees anything suspicious, call law enforcement so that we can be on top of it quicker rather than later,” Flores said.