(NewsNation) — League 42, dedicated to providing affordable baseball opportunities for young people, is now collaborating with the community to replace a damaged statue of Jackie Robinson.
On what would have been Jackie Robinson's 105th birthday, a somber mood looms over the celebration as the statue of the sports legend was vandalized in Wichita, Kansas. The statue, erected by the baseball nonprofit, was not only toppled but cut into pieces and burned by the perpetrators.
Bob Lutz, the founder and executive director of League 42, likened the vandalism to a loss in the family but affirmed the organization's determination to move forward and replace the statue by setting up a GoFundMe page.
He emphasized the overwhelming support received from the local and national communities and pledged to create a new statue that is "bigger, better and stronger."
Lutz refrained from speculating on the motive behind the vandalism, stating, "I'm gonna withhold any preconceptions about that until these perpetrators are apprehended." He urged caution in making assumptions and expressed the hope that the apprehended individuals could provide insight into their actions.
The original statue was built by John Parsons, a friend of Lutz's, whose widow, Carol, voiced her anger and disbelief at the destruction. "I don't get it," she said, questioning the motivation behind tearing down the statue rather than attempting to sell it.
League 42 fosters baseball among young people, especially children of color. Lutz, a devoted baseball enthusiast, established the league with the goal of offering affordable opportunities for youth to play the game. The league, named after Jackie Robinson's iconic No. 42 jersey, has witnessed increasing participation, with over 200 young Black Americans in its ranks.
Wichita police are actively searching for those responsible for the desecration.