Community Unites to Support Baseball League After Jackie Robinson Statue Theft
In a shocking turn of events, the Jackie Robinson statue at League 42, a nonprofit baseball league in Wichita, Kansas, was stolen in January 2024. The statue, which stood as a symbol of hope and resilience, disappeared overnight, leaving founder Bob Lutz and the community devastated. The theft garnered national attention and prompted a plea from the Wichita police for the return of the statue.
A Missing Statue
Bob Lutz, the founder of League 42, first noticed the missing statue as he walked outside his workplace. He initially wondered if it was covered by fog, but upon closer inspection, he realized that Jackie Robinson’s bronze depiction was gone. The emotions overwhelmed Lutz as he stood across the street, where the statue once stood proudly. It had been cut just above Robinson’s shoetops.
The National Headline
The theft of the Jackie Robinson statue quickly became a national headline. Surveillance footage captured individuals removing the statue from the Jackie Robinson Pavilion and placing it in a truck. Wichita police held a news conference to address the crime and urged the public to help recover the stolen statue. The police chief expressed frustration and emphasized the significance of the statue as a symbol of American history and inclusivity.
The Burning of Hope
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the stolen Jackie Robinson statue was found burned and dismantled in Garvey Park. The Wichita Fire Department responded to reports of a trash can fire, and among the ashes, they discovered pieces of the beloved statue. While it remains unclear whether the theft was racially motivated, the act struck deeply at the hearts of those involved with League 42 and the broader baseball community.
League 42: A Mission for Inclusion
League 42 was founded by Bob Lutz in 2013 with the aim of providing affordable baseball opportunities for children, especially those from marginalized communities. Lutz, a lifelong lover of baseball, was disheartened by the decreasing numbers of young Americans playing the sport due to rising costs and the prevalence of travel ball culture. League 42 charges a nominal fee of $30 per family, provides uniforms and equipment, and limits its enrollment to 600 children to prioritize quality.
Honoring Jackie Robinson
In the early days of League 42, the decision was made to honor Jackie Robinson, the trailblazer who broke baseball’s color barrier. The league sought to emulate Robinson’s legacy by providing educational programs and teaching the importance of his resilience and courage in the face of racism. With the permission of the Robinson family and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, League 42 raised funds and commissioned a local artist, John Parsons, to create a statue of Robinson, which was unveiled in 2021.
A Community United
The theft of the Jackie Robinson statue deeply affected Bob Lutz and the League 42 community. However, they were quickly overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from both locals and individuals from across the country. Community members gathered at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion for a vigil, placing roses and a red hat with the number 42 where the statue once stood. The mold from the original statue was found to be viable, and a GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $50,000 in just two days for a new statue.
The Spirit of Jackie Robinson
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Museum, reached out to offer support to Bob Lutz and League 42. Kendrick emphasized that while the statue may have been stolen, the spirit of what Jackie Robinson represented cannot be taken away. He drew parallels between League 42 and Robinson’s legacy, highlighting the resolve for good to overcome evil. Kendrick believes that despite acts of hatred, there will always be more good people than bad people in society.
Moving Forward
As the investigation into the theft of the Jackie Robinson statue continues, the community of Wichita remains steadfast in its support of League 42. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against prejudice and racism. However, the unity and resilience displayed by the community reaffirm the belief that good will always prevail. Bob Lutz, despite his anger, expressed a desire to understand the motives of the perpetrators and hopes to engage in a dialogue with them.
Conclusion
The theft of the Jackie Robinson statue at League 42 in Wichita, Kansas, stunned the community and garnered national attention. The statue, which symbolized hope and inclusivity, was stolen and later found burned and dismantled. However, the incident brought the community together, showcasing their unwavering support for League 42’s mission of providing affordable baseball opportunities for children. While the statue may be physically gone, its spirit lives on through the resilience and determination of those who refuse to let acts of hatred overshadow the progress made towards equality.