The Texas Rangers Just Saved an Arlington Little League Shut Down by $20,000 Theft

Claudia Yamell Castillo may not come out atop North Texas' (unofficial) Most Hated Person list for September. With a week to go, that Balch Springs teen who beat a puppy's eye out with a tree branch has to be the current favorite. But Castillo is a strong contender for runner...

By Eric Nicholson

September 23, 2013

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Claudia Yamell Castillo may not come out atop North Texas' (unofficial) Most Hated Person list for September. With a week to go, that Balch Springs teen who beat a puppy's eye out with a tree branch has to be the current favorite. But Castillo is a strong contender for runner up.

According to police, the 34-year-old stole more than $20,000 from the Southeast Arlington Little League during a year as its president. She was arrested last week after the league's vice president reported the theft to police, but the damage was done. Without cash for field rentals, uniforms, and equipment, the league was forced to cancel its fall season, leaving 150 registration-paying kids high and dry.

But this story has a happy ending. A Texas Rangers spokesman told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that pitchers Derek Holland and Joe Nathan and shortstop Elvis Andrus will help cover the league's fall expenses. The Texas Rangers Foundation will chip in as well.

It's quite a gift. The kids get to play ball, while Rangers fans are guaranteed that at least someone in Arlington will be playing baseball in October.

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