New McClatchy High Batting Cage Torn Down Because Of Code Requirements

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A batting cage at a Sacramento high school that parents raised thousands of dollars to build has been torn down, because it didn't meet code requirements.

McClatchy High School parents were surprised to find out the cage they helped raise $20,000 to build was taken down since it wasn't ADA compliant, and didn't meet the building code.

"Unfortunately when a structure of that size is not built up to code, it's got huge liability issues for the school district," said Gabe Ross, spokesman for the Sacramento City Unified School District.

It was a crushing blow to players, families and boosters who raised that money for a school where that kind of funding doesn't come easy.

"It's always a huge hit, especially the fact that the parents getting together, and raising their own money," said McClatchy Athletic Director Rob Feickert.

With the cage gone, and the soccer and football teams practicing on the school fields, the baseball team is forced to practice at Land Park.

However, it may only be temporary, as despite feeling burned, parents are fighting to rebuild.

"We have great parents and they are doing everything possible and what they can to get these back up by Feb. 10—that's the start of our season," Feickert said.

Money from Measures Q and R may be able to help rebuild the field, but even that doesn't seem right to parents like Andrew Tate.

"To take monies from someplace that they were initially allocated for, say the gym, and move them over—seems like you are now robbing the basketball program," he said.