On what would have been Jackie Robinson’s 105th birthday, donations flooded in to replace a vandalized statue of the legendary baseball player, with contributions surpassing $140,000 through one online fundraiser alone. The bronze statue, valued at an estimated $75,000, was severed from its base and stolen from McAdams Park in Wichita, Kansas, leaving only the feet behind.
Robinson, known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds immense significance, particularly for the youth baseball league called League 42, named after his uniform number. The stolen statue’s feet were discovered, and remnants were found burned at another park.
The executive director of the Little League nonprofit responsible for the statue’s commission expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, noting that the funds raised could also benefit the league’s programming and facilities. A notable $10,000 pledge came from an anonymous former Major League Baseball player who won a World Series.
Despite the setback, plans are underway to erect a replacement statue, as the mold for the original sculpture remains viable. Robinson’s legacy as a sports icon and civil rights pioneer continues to resonate, particularly within League 42, where educating children about his contributions beyond sports is emphasized.
League 42 commemorated Robinson’s birthday with a Facebook post, underscoring his enduring legacy and soliciting donations for the replacement statue. The league, named in honor of Robinson, aims to inspire all children, especially those of color, through his remarkable story of perseverance and courage.
Robinson’s impact on baseball and society transcends generations, making the statue’s restoration a symbolic gesture of resilience and unity within the community. As efforts to rebuild the statue progress, the spirit of Robinson’s legacy lives on, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
