Car thieves victimize two S.E. youth baseball teams

One team gets it all back; the other doesn't

By David F. Ashton

The Bee, May 3, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Gail Kiely

Standing behind the Madd Hornets are Richard Kiely, Home Run Graphics LLC and Norm Rice, First Class Properties, two businesspeople who gathered funds to help replace the team’s equipment.

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Two separate Little League coaches in Inner Southeast Portland suffered the same sort of catastrophic loss of team equipment in April, each time when their car was stolen from their home during the night. Although indications are that it simply was a coincidence, Portland Police issued a warning after the second theft, reminding youth coaches in particular that it is unwise to store team equipment visibly in cars.

The first theft involved the Woodstock-area Madd Hornets team, in the Mt. Hood Little League. Their coach, Dan Wilson, said he woke early on April 5th and found his 1992 Honda Accord had been stolen from his home. And, the vehicle was loaded with the team’s gear.

It looked like the Madd Hornets’ home field, Parker Field at S.E. 72nd and Harney, might experience a silent spring; the 9- to 12-year-old baseball players couldn’t practice or play without their equipment.

At that point, the owner of a Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood commercial printing business, Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics LLC, told us he couldn’t stand to see the team’s play canceled.

“I imagined the overwhelming disappointment these kids must be experiencing,” said Kiely. “It tugged at my heartstrings; I knew I had to do something.”

Kiely sprung into action. “I called several friends in business, and told them I’d put up $250 if they’d match it to help out the team.”

As a result, on April 7th, Kiely presented the team with checks from Woodstock’s Island Creamery ice cream store, East Portland Chamber of Commerce, realtor First Class Properties, and his own business. The grand total: $1,000.

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