Sadly, The Michigan Baseball team has been sued by many parents for the missing of their are children who are their players.
April 23, 2025 – Lansing, Michigan
A troubling case has emerged from Michigan’s youth sports scene as several families have filed a lawsuit against a prominent travel baseball program, alleging gross negligence and potential foul play after multiple teen players were reported missing under mysterious circumstances.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Ingham County Circuit Court, names the Michigan Titans Youth Baseball Organization and its head coach, Derrick Mason, as primary defendants. The plaintiffs — families of five players aged 13 to 17 — claim the team failed to adequately supervise or account for the boys during a recent out-of-state tournament trip and provided inconsistent, evasive explanations regarding their whereabouts in the days since.
The players, who were last seen departing with the team for a weekend tournament in Indiana on April 12th, have now been missing for over ten days. As the search intensifies and panic sets in, questions are mounting about what went wrong — and whether the team leadership is telling the whole story.
A TRIP GONE WRONG
According to court documents and police reports, the Michigan Titans were scheduled to compete in a two-day travel tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The team left Lansing by bus on April 11th, accompanied by Coach Mason, assistant coaches, and a team chaperone.
Families state that communication during the trip was irregular, with some players briefly texting parents on the first night. However, by April 13th, contact abruptly ceased. When parents attempted to check in with the coaching staff, they were told the boys had been “sent home early due to behavioral issues” — a claim that has since unraveled.
“No one was dropped off,” said Rebecca Fulton, mother of 16-year-old catcher Jordan Fulton. “We called the bus company, and they confirmed the route ended back in Lansing — but there were only seven kids on it, not twelve. And our sons weren’t among them.”
Parents say they were initially told that “rides had been arranged individually,” but no records or contacts have been provided. The conflicting stories, lack of transparency, and inability to locate the boys led to the filing of missing persons reports — and now a full civil suit.
LAWSUIT ALLEGES “GROSS NEGLIGENCE” AND COVER-UP
The civil suit accuses the Michigan Titans organization of endangering minors, failing to notify authorities in a timely manner, obstructing investigations, and providing false information to families and police.
Attorney Richard Hammonds, representing the plaintiffs, stated at a press conference: “This is not just about miscommunication. This is about a youth organization that had responsibility for these children — and they returned without them, lied to the families, and continue to stonewall our efforts to find them.”
The suit demands immediate full cooperation with law enforcement, a court-ordered seizure of the team’s communications and records, and financial damages for emotional distress and endangerment.
“Until our kids are home safe, we will not stop,” Hammonds added. “We are treating this with the urgency of a potential abduction scenario.”
POLICE AND FBI JOIN THE SEARCH
The Lansing Police Department confirmed on Tuesday that they have launched a full investigation into the missing players and are coordinating with the Indiana State Police and the FBI.
Chief Antonio Ramirez addressed the public during a press conference: “This case is being treated as a high-priority missing juvenile situation. While there is no confirmed evidence of foul play at this stage, the circumstances are suspicious, and we are working every angle.”
Ramirez noted that Coach Mason and several staff members have been interviewed but are “not currently suspects.” However, search warrants have been executed at the organization’s Lansing office and Coach Mason’s home.
Surveillance footage from hotel and tournament grounds in Fort Wayne is also being reviewed, and digital forensics teams are analyzing team communications and GPS data.
COACH DENIES WRONGDOING
Coach Derrick Mason, through his legal counsel, issued a brief statement denying any misconduct.
“I care deeply about each of my players and would never knowingly put them at risk,” the statement reads. “There has clearly been a misunderstanding, and I am fully cooperating with law enforcement to get to the bottom of this.”
However, many in the community are skeptical. Mason has declined to appear publicly and was reportedly uncooperative during initial questioning, invoking legal rights before eventually complying with a subpoena.
Team practices have been suspended indefinitely, and the organization’s social media pages have been taken offline amid an outpouring of criticism and outrage.
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
As news of the missing players spreads, the Lansing community has mobilized. Candlelight vigils have been held outside local high schools, and volunteer search parties are organizing efforts to canvas areas where the team reportedly traveled.
“This has rocked us to our core,” said Pastor Michael Harwell, whose church has offered space for community meetings and counseling. “These are our sons, our neighbors, our students. And we need them found now.”
Local businesses are helping distribute flyers and offer surveillance footage, and several national missing child organizations have joined the outreach.
CALLS FOR OVERSIGHT AND REFORM
The incident has also reignited concerns about oversight in youth sports travel programs. Many parents are calling for stricter regulations, background checks, and GPS tracking requirements for coaches and transportation services.
“This should never happen again,” said Sandra Cruz, a youth sports advocate. “There needs to be accountability when adults are entrusted with our children’s lives.”
State lawmakers have taken notice. Representative Carla Jenkins (D-Lansing) announced plans to propose emergency legislation mandating safety protocols for youth athletic travel teams, including parental consent forms for all transportation and lodging changes.
“We cannot allow unregulated systems to endanger our kids,” Jenkins said.
A DESPERATE WAIT
As investigators continue to piece together the final hours before the players vanished, the mood among parents is one of heartbreak, anger, and grim determination.
“I just want my son home,” said Marcus Bradley, father of 14-year-old pitcher Liam Bradley. “We trusted them. We trusted the system. And now, all we have is silence and fear.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lansing Police tip line at (517) 555-4111. A reward has been established for credible leads resulting in the safe return of the missing boys.
The Michigan Titans, once a symbol of competitive youth sports excellence, now stand at the center of one of the state’s most disturbing youth safety cases in recent history. And for the families waiting for answers — every minute without them is a minute too long.
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