What was initially believed to be a possible act of arson at Delcrest Diamond in Delhi has now been determined to be an accident involving local youth, according to the Delhi Minor Baseball Association.
In a statement released this week, the association said new information has clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident, prompting the removal of earlier social media posts that referenced initial suspicions.
DMBA officials said the youth involved have come forward, accepted responsibility for their actions, and are taking accountability for the damage caused.
“While what occurred should never have happened and caused real harm to our facility and our community, we recognize that owning a mistake and facing it with courage is exactly what we ask of young people,” the association said in its statement.
The incident caused damage to a storage shed and baseball equipment at Delcrest Diamond. While a full assessment is still underway, the association expects repair and replacement costs to reach into the thousands of dollars.
The financial impact is significant for the volunteer-run organization, which exists to provide recreational opportunities for local youth.
Despite the setback, association officials say they have been overwhelmed by the community response.
Residents have offered financial donations, tools, materials, and volunteer labour to help repair the damage and restore the facility.
DMBA said supporting young people remains at the core of its mission, both on and off the field.
The association plans to provide further updates as damage assessments continue and recovery efforts move forward.
