This mural depicts an iconic image in Rangers history. Why does Arlington want it removed?
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The city of Arlington has requested that a mural depicting an infamous brawl involving a Texas Rangers baseball player be taken down because it violates a code that limits such paintings to the downtown and entertainment districts.
Fort Worth artist Juan Velazquez painted the mural in February on the wall of Gilbertos Taco Shop, 611 West Park Row Drive. The painting captured the image of former Rangers Rougned Odor punching José Bautista, then of the Toronto Blue Jays, after Bautista slid into the Rangers player to break up a double play on May 15, 2016. Former Star-Telegram photographer Richard Rodriguez captured the moment in a photo that went viral.
Velazquez has painted murals depicting Dallas sports stars Luke Doncic and Dak Prescott in Frisco and entertainment figures like Selena and Sam Elliot in Fort Worth.
The city said it had no immediate plans to take action regarding the mural and will seek feedback from the Arlington City Council on whether it would like to change the mural policy.
The city of Arlington sent the owner of the restaurant a letter that he had to remove the mural, I’m telling you right now, I ain’t removing anything. He’s going to go up to city hall tomorrow and talk to them, I’ll update everyone as soon as I have an update pic.twitter.com/nAAMoTbUS7
— Juan Velazquez (@Juan_EVelazquez) April 25, 2023
Velazquez said the request to remove the mural came as a part of an unrelated sign permit request.
Restaurant owner José Ruiz was dismayed when he heard the city asked for the mural to be taken down. He said he went to City Hall on Tuesday but was not able to speak with the necessary people.
Velazquez says the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“There are so many people that love that mural, it’s been shared so many times, it’s been on ESPN. That’s probably the most shared mural that I have,” says Velazquez.
Velazquez hopes the city reverses its position.
Ruiz said he commissioned the mural “for the culture,” and hopes the city will allow him to keep it.
“When he contacted me, he was like I want to do something for the city of Arlington, something that makes people proud of Arlington, something that reminds them of Arlington,” Velazquez said, recalling his conversation with Ruiz.
Later, he added: “Man, I just hope they let it be and worry about other stuff that actually matters. They’re sitting here worried about the wrong thing.”
