Sacramento Little Leaguers Try To Put Nearby Shooting Behind Them

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It's been a week since gunfire erupted at McClatchy Park during a little league game, sending players and fans scattering. Since then officials have heightened security and made it safer for kids to play.

"I tell these kids, that happened let's put it past us and stay focused on what we do," said one of the little league coaches, Steve Austin.

He understands the fear but said it can't win at the kids' expense.

"All I care about is teaching these kids the game of baseball, how to play it, how to respect it and how to love it," Coach Steve said.

Nobody understands that love more than Norman Blackwell Sr. who is 83 years old and still at it. He says baseball is more than just the game.

"It kept me out of trouble. I've been involved with ball all my life, ever since I was 6 years old," said Blackwell.

Which is why community leaders are taking action. Police now have 24-hour surveillance from a bird's eye view of the park and are present during the games.

"That was the busiest day we've had so far. We had three games going and two practices," said Jennifer Medlock who was there when the shots were fired.

Parents and neighbors who use this park hope the upgraded security measures and police presence will help these kids knock it out of the park.

"If they're ready to play ball and the parents are OK with it, let's play ball. I got a job to do and that's to teach these kids the game of baseball," said Coach Steve.