In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the youth baseball league, League 42, has received an overwhelming amount of support to replace the stolen and destroyed Jackie Robinson statue. The bronze tribute, which stood proudly outside the league’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, was tragically found beyond repair in a trash can fire at a nearby park earlier this week.
A GoFundMe campaign was swiftly launched to aid in the replacement of the beloved statue, initially estimated to be worth $75,000. However, the outpouring of generosity from the community has far exceeded expectations, with over $175,000 raised so far. League 42 has expressed its gratitude and plans to keep the fundraiser active, as the additional funds can be utilized to support various programs within the organization.
League 42, whose annual budget has now risen to $400,000, aims to ensure that young children can learn and enjoy the sport of baseball without the burden of high entry fees. The extra funds will not only contribute to replacing the statue but also assist in funding education programs and revitalizing several fields in need of new lighting and artificial turf.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, League 42 expressed their profound appreciation for the overwhelming support they have received. They conveyed their gratitude to the families, board members, staff, and players, emphasizing that words cannot adequately express their thankfulness for the generosity shown.
Meanwhile, the Wichita Police Department continues its relentless pursuit of the individuals responsible for the theft and destruction of the statue. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring the culprits to justice.
As the community rallies together to restore the symbol of Jackie Robinson’s legacy, the resilience and unity displayed by League 42 and its supporters serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the baseball legend.
1 Response
This is such a heartwarming story! It’s amazing to see the outpouring of support for League 42 and their efforts to replace the stolen and destroyed Jackie Robinson statue. I’m curious to know what the author thinks about the significance of this statue and its impact on the community. How do they believe this act of solidarity will affect the youth baseball league and its players?