Janitor Who Stole World Series Ring Pleads Guilty

On Monday a janitor who worked at Citizens Bank Ballpark pleaded guilty to stealing a World Series ring he found in a bathroom at the ballpark last summer, and now he's facing up to seven years behind bars.

53-year old Anthony Mobley was making his usual rounds of cleaning up the Phillies' ballpark on August 31 when he found a 2008 World Series championship ring in a bathroom on the executive-suite level of the park just sitting there. Instead of turning it in, Mobley did something that a lot of baseball fans might consider doing. He wrapped the thing up in some paper towel, put it in his pocket, and walked off.

Unfortunately for Mobley, there are cameras at Citizens Bank and they showed him entering the bathroom in which the ring was left by a member of the Phillies marketing team, and after being questioned by police about it, Mobley admitted to finding the ring. On September 3 Mobley led police to where he'd been hiding the ring in another bathroom at the park located in the stadium's Hall of Fame area.

via mlb.fanhouse.com

This story pretty much falls into the category of the recent Sidney Crosby stick and glove dilemma. Do I believe that Mr. Mobley or the unidentified hockey thieves deserve seven years in prison? No. We've seen rapists and murderers serve less time behind bars. I think a little good old fashioned community service is in order for these perpetrators.

Now Mobley did steal, no question. I'm just hoping the punishment fits the crime.

Good luck Mr. Mobley! You're going to need it.