New Jackie Robinson statue ready to stand at McAdams Park

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — It’s been six months since the Jackie Robinson statue was snatched from McAdams Park, but just over a week from Friday, a new one will stand in Wichita.

KSN’s Derek Lytle has been following the story since the statue was stolen from League 42.

The bronze foundry in Colorado, Art Castings of Colorado, has added the finishing touches to the replacement Jackie Robinson statue, and it’s ready to come to its new home, where it will sit on a four-foot-tall home plate.

Carol Parson’s late husband, John, designed the Jackie Robinson statue with the blessing of the Robinson family.

She said that when it was stolen from McAdams Park and destroyed, she was unsure they’d ever see her husband’s work again.

“I can’t believe it’s here already. It’s just gone by in a whirlwind,” said Parsons.

She said she would be emotional when she saw the new statue in person for the first time next week.

“Oh yeah, I expect to be; I know it will be bittersweet,” said Parsons.

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A bronze foundry in Colorado was able to use John Parson’s mold, which he left behind, to make the replacement statue. The foundry’s owner, Tony Workman, said the staff that made the original took pride in the countless hours and attention to detail spent on the replacement.

“When the piece was cast, almost everyone that worked on it worked on the original. I’m glad we could help and get their sculpture back to them. No one will know it was ever gone once it’s installed,” said Worker.

It’s an emotional time for League 42 Founder Bob Lutz. He said he met with the man, who pleaded guilty to the theft and destruction of the league’s statue.

Lutz said it was time to move on.

“I hope everyone comes out of this for the better, including the people who committed the crime. No anger,” said Lutz.

He said it will be special to see his late friend John’s work stand as the staple of their league once again.

“It wouldn’t feel right if we were putting up a different statue by a different artist. John Parsons poured his heart and soul into this, and now he gets to be rewarded again. That makes me feel good,” said Lutz.

Lutz said that Monday will be an exciting day when the statue is unveiled to the public. Multiple people from Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals will be in attendance.

Little leaguers from League 42 will do the honors, pulling off the curtain and revealing the new statue.

It will take place at 6 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as there will be a large turnout.

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