Upstate youth travel team money ‘mishandled’, deputies investigating

BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating a situation involving a youth travel baseball team.

In a GoFundMe, the Carolina Braves 12U baseball team claims that after months of raising over $10,000 through various fundraisers, a large majority of it was mishandled by a former coach.

The team said the funds were to be used to cover travel expenses for the upcoming season.

“Our team, composed of 12 young athletes who dream of playing baseball at a higher level, worked tirelessly to organize car washes, spirit nights, chocolate sales and other fundraising events. The community’s generosity was overwhelming, and the funds we raised were meant to cover travel costs, tournament fees, uniforms and bonding experiences for these boys. However, our joy quickly turned into despair when we discovered that a person we trusted to guide and mentor our children had betrayed us.”

Part of the funds were supposed to go toward tournament fees for The Ripken Experience.

“Cal Ripken is an amazing experience and I hope that my team and I will get to experience that as a team,” Brent Newcomer, one of the players, said. “We have worked so hard and it is sad to think that what we have worked for won’t happen. My team and I love the game of baseball! It would be sad if this is how our season ends. Thank you to anyone that is willing to help us!”

Deputies said they are investigating this incident.

Stay tuned as more details are released.

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