Texas Travel Ball Scam Leaves Parents Without Answers

If your family’s ever paid for travel sports, you know how much goes into it. Uniforms, field fees, tournament weekends, and team hotels; parents pour thousands into giving their kids a shot at the sport they love.

Parents Say They Paid, But the Team Never Happened

Pasadena police are investigating a coach named Thaddeus Lewis, who allegedly accepted payments from families for an 18U softball team that, according to police, never fully existed.

Families say they paid fees that were supposed to cover uniforms, practices, and tournament entry, only to have Lewis stop showing up after a few practices. The scheduled tournaments were never booked, team gear was never ordered, and practice fields were not paid for.

Lewis reportedly disconnected his phone and deleted the team’s GroupMe chat, cutting off all contact with the parents who had trusted him with their money and their daughters’ softball seasons.

Police Believe There May Be More Families Affected

According to investigators, this may not be an isolated incident. Police say Lewis may have done this in past years, targeting new families each time.

If your family, or someone you know, had a similar experience with Thaddeus Lewis or a softball team he ran, Pasadena PD is asking you to come forward.

Detective Satterwhite
Email: ksatterwhite@pasadenatx.gov
Phone: 713-475-7892
Case #: 25-009058

For many families, travel softball isn’t just a sport; it’s a sacrifice. Parents work overtime, carpool every weekend, and stretch budgets to give their kids opportunities. That trust should never be taken advantage of.

If you’ve ever paid for select ball, this hits close. If you’re paying now, it’s a reminder to protect yourself and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.