Wichita, Kansas Baseball Park to Unveil New Statue of Jackie Robinson Despite Previous Theft

The legacy of Jackie Robinson, the Black man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, is set to be honored in Wichita, Kansas with the unveiling of a brand-new statue in his memory. Despite attempts to tarnish his legacy, the community rallied together to raise funds for a new statue after the original was stolen and destroyed.

The statue, which will be identical to the original, is not only a tribute to Robinson but also honors the work of John Parsons, the sculptor who created the mold before his passing in 2022. The suspected thief, Ricky Alderete, has pleaded guilty to the theft and has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, with an additional 15 years for an aggravated robbery.

Alderete attributed his actions to his addiction to fentanyl, expressing remorse for his actions in court. The community is focused on ensuring the safety and preservation of Robinson’s statue, with new security measures being put in place at McAdams Park where the statue will be located.

City Council member Brandon Johnson emphasized the importance of protecting the statue not just for the adults, but for the children who play in the urban youth baseball league named “League 42” after Robinson’s jersey number. The unveiling of Robinson’s new statue is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6pm, symbolizing a renewed commitment to honoring his groundbreaking legacy in baseball.