The case of the Stolen Number 8 is one step closer to ending.

One of the four young men charged with stealing Cal Ripken Jr.'s statue from in front of Camden Yards back in September pleaded guilty this morning to theft. Jason Stoneburner, left, got a two year suspended jail sentence, probation, community service and will have to pay the Orioles $1904.50.

I guess that's how much the statues outside the ballpark are worth. Three others charged in the crime that left the city marveling at its brazenness and audacity have requested a jury trial that is scheduled to begin on Friday.

As you might remember, the statue was torn off its base, put in a pickup truck and driven around the city until the suspects got into an argument that prompted a resident near Patterson Park to dial 911. Cops came, found the statue and arrested them.

It prompted Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III to proclaim on television: "Don't come to Baltimore to act like a moron."