Two teens accused of damaging baseball field in Salem

A baseball field in Salem was badly damaged after two teens did donuts on the field with a truck.
Published: Dec. 6, 2022 at 8:18 AM PST

SALEM, Ore. (KPTV) - A baseball field in Salem was badly damaged after two teens did donuts on the field with a truck.

Salem police responded to the Gilmore Field, located at 1150 Hoyt Street Southeast, just before 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Police had received a report that a truck had driven onto the field and was going in circles on the ballfield.

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Officers arrived and found the teens, two 16-year-old boys, inside of the truck. Police said the truck had high-centered when the teens tried to take it over a slope on the field.

Police said the teens were released to their parents and each referred to the Marion County Juvenile Department on charges of first-degree criminal mischief.

The Gilmore Field is a few block away from South Salem High School and the field is known to be used by the high school’s baseball team.

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“The only thing I asked the kids is if they had beef with someone on the baseball team,” said Max Price, head coach of South Salem High School baseball. “Their response was no, they just though it would be fun to drive on there.”

Price says Gilmore Field has been damaged by vandals in the past. He doesn’t know how much it will cost to repair this time around but the damage is extensive.

“The amount of money that goes into maintaining a field is insane,” Price said. “It goes to insurance at this point, so it will probably be the insurance of the families.”

It’s not the start to the week Price was hoping for, but in true team fashion he says his players, along with the community, are rallying together.

“A lot of people I haven’t spoken to, former players, current players reaching out asking, ‘what can we do,’” said Price. “Reminds me why it’s such a special place to be.”

Price says the first game of the baseball season won’t be until the middle of March. He anticipates repairs to the field will be done by then.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help fix the field. If you would like to donate, click here.