Tecumseh, OPP hunt for motorist who damaged ball diamond

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The Town of Tecumseh is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a driver responsible for damaging a baseball diamond on St. Patrick’s Day afternoon.

Mayor Gary McNamara told the Star that he estimates the total damage at Bert Lacasse Park on Sunday to be in the thousands of dollars and expects repairs to postpone the start of the diamond’s use this spring.

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“It’s really sad that somebody who’s old enough to drive goes out into a park and decides to vandalize or destroy a valuable asset to the community that is paid for by taxpayers,” McNamara said.

“Where’s your common sense?”

McNamara said the matter has turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police.

“The OPP are investigating and we’re hoping that the individual will be appreciated,” he said.

“Certainly, the town’s going to be looking at restitutions.”

Tecumseh ball diamond damage
An overhead photo shows damage to a practice baseball diamond and grassy area at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh on Monday, March 18, 2024. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star

McNamara told the Star that the town became aware of the incident after residents in the area shared images online, depicting a newer model, black Ford F-150 performing donuts on the practice diamond.

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Lacasse Park — home to the Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Club and the St. St. Clair College Saints — has undergone $4 million in upgrades since last summer in anticipation of hosting the senior men’s national baseball championship this August.

The park’s transformation included the construction of a new grandstand.

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The Tecumseh Thunder Baseball Club posted to its X account March 17 showing images of the pickup truck leaving the park, and damage to the field. The truck’s maneuvers caused significant damage to the infield and outfield grass.

“Right now, the grass is still a little dormant,” McNamara said.

“It’s going to take a lot of work from the parks department and it’s going to delay the ability to use that particular diamond in the spring.”

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