WILLIAMSPORT -- The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is thinking about installing security cameras after a vandal hit an area dedicated to the birthplace of Little League Baseball.
One of the life-sized bronze statues at the project called "Bases Loaded" was damaged.
One of the first things you see when you drive into Williamsport is the city's "Bases Loaded" monument. The 10 bronze statues and Market Street painted like a baseball diamond depict Williamsport as the birthplace of Little League.
Recently, someone vandalized the monument.
"I'm kind of appalled," said Timothy Shank.
According to Williamsport police, the monument's baseball bat was broken off and stolen earlier this month.
"That somebody would do that to the kids. I really think about the kids," said Williamsport resident Lee Ellen Sheasley.
The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce put the project together last year and says it is now discussing putting security cameras near the monument.
Officials say the statues are made out of bronze. Williamsport police estimate the damage to be about $4,000.
"It's the city's history. Who would want to take the city's history? It's wrong," said Nick Dirk.
People stopped by the monument and looked at the batter in disgust.
Aaron Holder of Williamsport says the theft is embarrassing for Williamsport.
"It don't look right," said Holder. "How are we going to make the city look good if we tear it up?"
"When I think of our visitors who come here to Williamsport for Little League and just how exciting it must be for them, now this is very disheartening," said Sheasley.
The president of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce says the monument is insured and will be fixed.
