Jefferson Township Supervisor Rodger Davis stands on the infield of a baseball field this morning that was damaged by vandals at Laura Doerr Park in the township. Authorities are trying to find who broke into the park and did doughnuts on three baseball diamonds.

JEFFERSON TWP — A vehicle driving over infields and outfields has done about $20,000 worth of damage to three baseball fields at Laura Doerr Park.

“Someone got in there and did doughnuts all over those fields,” Saxonburg Area Baseball Association President Tim Gallagher said. “We think it was done on Nov. 29 or close to that date.

“We’re trying to find the culprit. This was done with a purpose. Whoever did it broke through one of the gates to get on a field.”

The Legion baseball field and Little League major and minor league fields were damaged. The association is offering a $100 reward for information leading to finding the perpetrator.

“It looks like a Jeep drove all over those fields. This was pure vandalism,” Gallagher said.

He noted that 400 youths play ball at Laura Doerr Park, which has four other fields that were not damaged.

Knoch High School’s junior varsity baseball team also plays on the Legion field.

The association has insurance on the fields and “an investigation is going on for that,” Gallagher said. He said a police report has been filed as well.

“It’s frustrating because we just put $9,000 worth of improvements on those fields at the beginning of last season to make the drainage better,” Gallagher said. “The infield is clay and the mix of chemicals applied to it was expensive ... That money is pretty much thrown away now.”

The association is a volunteer organization and its funding is limited.

“We do have emergency money socked away for a rainy day, but that amounts to $2,000 or so,” Gallagher said. “It won’t come close to covering what’s needed to repair this.”

Depending on the result of the insurance claim, Gallagher said the group may solicit donations and help from businesses to help offset the cost.

“We serve as a feeder system for baseball and softball in the South Butler School District,” he said. “Kids ages 12 to 18 will be affected by this.

“We’re asking for people to come together so we can overcome this senseless act.”

Anyone with knowledge of the vandalism or wanting to make a donation may call Gallagher at 724-968-6397.