By Jon Weisman
Jackie Robinson Day has been one filled with baseball royalty, fond reminisces and earnest discussion of challenges yet to be met.
But the lingering memory from April 15, 2015 will be that this is the day the Dodgers announced they would erect a statue to honor Jackie Robinson at Dodger Stadium.
Details about placement, timing or design are not yet available, but the commitment was a most welcome piece of news.
“It’s the fulfillment of a dream,” said Jackie’s widow, Rachel Robinson.
In making the announcement, Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten said that the statue would be the first of a series at Dodger Stadium. The news just keeps getting better.
Rachel Robinson and Magic pic.twitter.com/6eoTBUp6Z1
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) April 16, 2015
Ron Zrodlo
Amazing,,about time this great man is recognized.
Robert Fiore (@RobertFiore1)
I always thought Dodger Stadium should have two statues, one of Robinson (came from L.A., played in Brooklyn), one of Sandy Koufax (came from Brooklyn, played in Los Angeles). In the base of the first you’d carve Pride of Brooklyn, the other Pride of Los Angeles. We’re halfway there.
I’d vote for one of Fernando, too.
oldbrooklynfan
Don’t forget, Koufax play for the Dodgers in Brooklyn, also.
Bob Rohwer
How ’bout a statue for every Hall of Famer? Why not?
berkowit28
So much more satisfying to hear than that weird, off-key, tone-deaf “statue to the fans” (huh?) promised by Frank McCourt at that Dodger Thoughts meetup all those years ago.
jaymanne
I think this is long overdue as well. And, I also second the emotion on a statue for Sandy, Tommy, Don, Fernando, Duke, Walt Alston, and yes, Gibson… among others. These people helped cement the Dodgers name as one of the greatest sports teams of all time.
oldbrooklynfan
It’s good to read that the Dodgers will have a statue of Robinson. This is well deserved and long overdue.
Don Bright
Other than Jackie, there needs to be 2 more for Vinny and Sandy at the very minimum. Really hope though they build some type of Dodger Hall of fame and that every fan can access it easily.
oldbrooklynfan
If that’s the case don’t forget Tommy.