- The statue of Jackie Robinson was stolen from a park in Wichita, Kansas, with surveillance footage capturing the suspects loading it into a pickup truck. The thieves caused estimated damages of around $75,000 by detaching the statue at the ankles.
- Wichita Chief of Police expressed frustration and emphasized the significance of the park as a place for the community to learn about Robinson’s history and play baseball, noting the timing of the theft just before the start of Black History Month.
- The statue, donated by nonprofit League 42, cost $50,000 and was installed in 2021. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to arrests, while an additional $5,000 reward is offered for the recovery of the statue.
Additional Coverage:
Authorities in Wichita, Kansas, are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the culprits who stole a statue of baseball icon Jackie Robinson from a public park. Surveillance footage captured the suspects entering the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park late Thursday night, taking the statue and loading it into a pickup truck. The thieves detached the statue at the ankles, leaving only Robinson’s feet, resulting in estimated damages of around $75,000.
During a press conference on Friday, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the individuals who had the audacity to steal the statue. He emphasized the significance of the park as a gathering place for the community to learn about Robinson’s history and play baseball. He also noted the timing of the theft, just before the start of Black History Month.
The statue, created by artist John Parsons, was donated to the community by League 42, a nonprofit organization that promotes youth involvement in baseball. League 42 reportedly spent $50,000 on the sculpture, which was installed in 2021. In a Facebook post, the organization expressed its deep disappointment and referred to the incident as a “gut punch.”
Councilman Brandon Johnson, a member of the Wichita City Council, shared his dismay during the press conference, stating that the stolen statue has caused hurt and disappointment among many families. He urged anyone who has information about the theft or possesses the statue to come forward.
During the same press conference, the Wichita Metro Crime Commission announced a reward of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests and an additional reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the recovery of the statue. Tips can be provided anonymously.
Chief Sullivan emphasized that once the statue is returned, those responsible for the theft will be held accountable, as the Wichita Police Department is fully committed to the case.
Jackie Robinson made history as the first African American baseball player in the modern era of Major League Baseball. He began his career with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues and later played for the minor league Montreal Royals before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His signing broke the color barrier in baseball and opened doors for Black players to enter the major leagues. Robinson had an illustrious career, winning Rookie of the Year in 1947, being named National League MVP in 1949, and helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955.