Opening day was cancelled for the batting cages at the Clinton Lake Softball Complex Monday, after workers found the machinery disabled by thieves who had stripped them of copper wire.

City workers discovered the damage and reported the theft to police about 11:30 a.m. Monday, said Kim Murphree, a Lawrence Police Department spokeswoman.

All of the machines servicing the complex’s 10 batting cages, including lights, pitching machines and a token dispenser, were disabled by the removal of the wire, city staff said. Because the cages were closed for the winter season, it was unclear exactly when the theft occurred, but police believe it happened in the first two weeks of this month.

The exact cost of the damage hasn’t yet been assessed, and it isn’t known when the batting cages will be repaired and opened.

The exact cost of the damage hasn’t yet been assessed, and it isn’t known when the batting cages will be repaired and opened.