Accused baseball burglar is former star player

Stealing is fine on the diamond, just not off it.

Former CSU-Pueblo baseball star, 27-year-old Zachary Hoffman was arrested for felony burglary and felony theft.

Investigators with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office say Hoffman broke into the CSU-Pueblo baseball clubhouse and stole more than $20,000 in property that belonged to coaches, players and the University.

“He knows this place. He’s a part of a family,” said head coach Stan Sanchez. “That’s what bothers me the most about it.”

Hoffman’s name still hangs on the first base line stands at Rawlings Field. He is a member of the team’s “Diamond of Fame.”

“He was an incredible player for us, geez, he helped us win a championship in 2009,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez says he had autographed pictures of star players like Ken Griffey Jr. stolen. An entire batch of new balls was stolen along with bats and players gloves.

“He knew what was valuable. Those gloves are $300 gloves,” Sanchez said.

Starting catcher Eddie Williams had the most stolen on the team, including his new catcher’s mitt.

“Just kind of hurts in the pit of your stomach because you know somebody went through your stuff that you care a lot about,” Williams said.

In between swings at practice, players were filling out reports as they identified their own property. The Sheriff’s Office says players will be able to pick up most of their property beginning on Tuesday.

“Hopefully he’ll be able to get some help and he’ll be able to get back on the right track and we can embrace him again down the road,” Sanchez said.

The coach wants to bring the former T-Wolf back to the pack.