Wichita, KS – In a startling theft that has left the Wichita community in dismay, a statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson was stolen from McAdams Park. The incident occurred around midnight on Thursday at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion, located in the park’s northern area.
The Wichita Police Department, in their quest to apprehend the culprits, has released surveillance footage showing a pickup truck believed to be involved in the crime. The statue, valued at approximately $75,000, was severed at the ankles, leaving only Robinson’s shoes in place. It was then hoisted into the bed of the truck before the thieves made their escape.
Wichita City Councilman Brandon Johnson expressed his shock at a press conference on Friday. “This horrendous, disgusting act really caused me a pause,” Johnson remarked, highlighting the deep impact of the theft on the community, regardless of the perpetrators’ motives.
The statue, a creation of artist John Parsons, was not just a monument but a symbol of inspiration for local youths. Unveiled in 2021 by League 42, a Little League baseball organization named after Robinson’s iconic jersey number, it stood as a testament to the legendary player’s enduring legacy.
Troy Houtman, Park and Recreation Director, shared his mixed emotions about the theft, underlining the loss felt by the community. The Wichita Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
