The Texas Rangers will honor firefighter Shannon Stone, who was killed at the park earlier this year, with a bronze statue that should be in place for the 2012 season.
The statue, which will also feature Stone's six-year old son Cooper, is tentatively titled Rangers Fans and will likely be on display by the home-plate entrance at Rangers Ballpark.
"We feel that this statue will be a most fitting tribute," Rangers president Nolan Ryan said. "It will not only serve to honor Mr. Stone's memory but also recognize Rangers fans and baseball fans everywhere. I have discussed the project with Jenny Stone, and she and the Stone family will be involved in the design and creation of the statue."
Jenny Stone, Shannon Stone's widow, said in the statement that the family was appreciative of Ryan and the Rangers. The statement also said that the family hoped the statue would be "a reminder of the importance of a family's love -- love of each other, love of spending time together, and love of the game."
Stone was killed in a fall from the stands in left field while trying to catch a ball thrown by Rangers outfielder July 7 during a game. He was a 39-year-old firefighter from Brownwood who was at the game with his son.
Since Stone's death, the Rangers have made plans to raise all the railings on the front rows of seats at the ballpark to 42 inches. There are also new signs warning against leaning on the rails and a public-service message is played before every game.
The statue will be the third at the ballpark. Statues of Ryan and Tom Vandergriff were dedicated in 1997 and are in Vandergriff Plaza just inside the centerfield entrance.
Son: Who is that dad?
Dad: Some guy who died trying to catch a foul ball at the stadium.
He fell over the railing.
Son: Oh. Did he catch the ball?
Dad: No.
Son: Why does he have a statue?
Dad: Cheaper than a lawsuit
Son: huh?
