Vandalized Jackie Robinson Statue Will Be Replaced by Colorado Company
The vandalized statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson will soon be replaced by a replica made by the same Colorado company that created the original sculpture. As of Wednesday night, donations totaling over $158,000 have been raised to fund the new statue, which was destroyed by vandals last week.
Carol Parsons, widow of the original statue's creator John Parsons, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and donations. She shared that once the necessary funds are raised, the bronze casting foundry in Loveland, Art Castings of Colorado, will begin work on the new statue.
Carol told several media outlets that the mold for the Jackie Robinson statue is already in possession of the foundry, thanks to her late husband. This ensures that the new statue will be an exact replica of John Parsons' work, capturing the essence of Jackie Robinson and his legacy in baseball.
A bronze statue of Jackie Robinson, a baseball player. Police believe the thieves will try to salvage the statue for cash. (Wichita Police Department/Facebook)
When asked for her reaction upon learning of the destruction of her husband's statue, Carol expressed shock and disgust. She could not understand why anyone would want to deface such a significant and meaningful piece of art.
However, as Carol pointed out, the silver lining in this situation is that the mold for the statue has already been made, significantly cutting down the time it will take to complete the new sculpture. She estimated that it would only take a few months to complete the new Jackie Robinson statue.
Once the new statue is ready, either Carol or League 42 Founder Bob Lutz will make the trip to Colorado to pick it up. Carol said she looks forward to the day when the new statue can be revealed at its rightful home in McAdams Park.
The original Jackie Robinson statue was unveiled in 2016 to honor the legacy of the Major League Baseball player who broke the color barrier in the sport. The statue quickly became a beloved landmark in the community and a source of inspiration for young athletes. Its destruction was met with outrage and disappointment, but the swift action to replace it has shown the resilience and determination of those who refuse to let Jackie Robinson's legacy be tarnished.
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The news of the Colorado company's involvement in recreating the statue brings hope and excitement for the future. Unlike the vandals who tried to destroy it, the new Jackie Robinson statue will serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the enduring legacy of one of baseball's greatest players.