In Loveland, Colorado, metalsmith Alex Haines is working on a replacement bronze statue of Jackie Robinson for Wichita, Kansas, reflecting on the importance of the project after the original statue was destroyed by thieves. The theft of the statue, located at McAdams Park in Wichita, left only Robinson’s cleats behind, impacting the community of League 42, a youth baseball league named after Robinson’s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Following the theft, a national outpouring of donations totaling around $450,000 to $500,000 enabled Wichita to quickly reorder a replacement statue. The nonprofit that commissioned the statue received a $100,000 donation from Major League Baseball, which covered the replacement cost and other enhancements for the park. The remaining funds will go towards programming and facility upgrades, including the Leslie Rudd Learning Center. The replacement statue will look exactly like the original, maintaining the legacy of the artist, John Parsons, who created it before his death in 2022.
The investigation into the theft revealed that the motivation was not racial but driven by plans to sell the bronze for scrap, resulting in the destruction of the original statue. The town situated around the studio known for its abundance of sculptors and artists. Despite the setbacks, the severed bronze cleats from the original statue found a new home at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City alongside other artifacts celebrating Robinson’s legacy as a sports legend and civil rights icon. The outpouring of support led by the theft emphasizes that light can emerge from darkness, highlighting the resilience of communities in the face of adversity.
Robinson’s impact on the world of baseball and civil rights remains a source of inspiration, as visitors like Emilio Estevez from Miami reflect on Robinson’s athleticism and his perseverance in the face of discrimination. Estevez, like many others, sees Robinson as a symbol of strength and resilience, with his legacy continuing to inspire people despite the actions of the thieves. The display of the cleats at the museum serves as a reminder of Robinson’s enduring legacy and the importance of standing up against injustice. Despite the challenges faced by communities, the support and unity that emerged in response to the theft reflect the power of collective action in preserving and honoring those who have made a lasting impact.
