Community gathers to support League 42, Jackie Robinson statue still missing
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A gathering was held Saturday morning for those saddened by the loss of the pillar of their youth league.
A Wichita Police Lieutenant said community tips are coming in about the Jackie Robinson statue that was stolen from McAdams Park.
A lot of emotion is carried by the community surrounding League 42 Youth Baseball. From anger to confusion as to why someone would take the pillar of what the league is built on, away from them.
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One parent, who has been a part of the league since it was founded in 2013, said their hurt is up there with losing a loved one.
“The kids really enjoyed sitting out there at the pavilion in the summers and staring at the statue, and I mean, I just don’t understand in why somebody would be so heartless,” said League 42 parent Shari Riddick.
Cathleen Hollins’ three grandsons have all played in League 42.
“For this to have happened, I mean it was more devastating, it was like someone had passed away,” said Hollins.
She said all the kids that go through the program learn about Jackie Robinson’s life, and most look up to the icon as a role model.
“All of them that were coached, had to know about Jackie Robinson and who he was, and what he stood for, and the color barrier. So all our kids here, they know that, they know all about it,” said Hollins.
Bradley Dyer Jr. is on the education committee for League 42. He said the league is important, because it helps kids, in the classroom, with skills like math. He said theft interferes with that process.
“For someone to come and do something like this, they are trying to interrupt what is a positive movement in our community, and it breaks your heart, and it makes you angry, but we’re going to fix that,” said Dyer Jr.
Both Hollins and Riddick said they will push through this incident, and they hope to not allow it to jeopardize not to what League 42 Founder Bob Lutz, has built for the youth that play in the program.
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