By Greg Kendall-Ball
Scripps Howard News Service
ARLINGTON, Texas — Shannon Stone won’t soon be forgotten in Brownwood, where he worked, or in Arlington, where he loved to bring his son to watch the Texas Rangers play baseball.
A life-size bronze statue titled “Rangers Fans” unveiled Thursday outside the home plate gate — depicting Stone and his son Cooper, 7 — now greets visitors to the Rangers Ballpark.
Stone, a 39-year-old Brownwood firefighter, died last July after a 20-foot fall over a railing while reaching for a ball tossed into the stands by outfielder Josh Hamilton. He was at the game with his son, who was 6 at the time.
A dedication was held Thursday afternoon, with Rangers officials and hundreds of family members, friends and firefighters in attendance.
“Today is a celebration of family, and love of the game,” said Nolan Ryan, Rangers CEO and president. “I want to thank Jenny for allowing us to honor Shannon and Cooper today.”
Ryan said the statue — created by renowned Texas artist Bruce Greene — “represents so many things that are good about baseball: competition, happiness and memories.” Stone, Ryan said, had embodied what the Rangers hoped for their fans.
“He shared his love and passion with his son, Cooper,” Ryan said.
Jenny Stone, Shannon Stone’s widow, did not speak at the ceremony, but had a statement read.
“We are honored to be here today to unveil what we hope to be a symbol of the purpose of baseball: a game to enjoy with your family and friends,” her statement said.
“This statue stands for what Shannon believed in: Cooper, his family, having fun and friends new and old.”
Greene, the artist who created the sculpture, said he was honored to have been entrusted with the project, and while he felt the weight of responsibility, he was overjoyed to undertake it.
Jenny Stone said her family has gained many blessings despite their loss.
“Our lives have been filled with the love and support of strangers across the world,” she said.
“Shannon lived life to its fullest, doing the things that brought him and others joy, and being with the people he loved,” she said. “We hope this statue reminds people to do just that.”
Several Brownwood city officials also were present for the ceremony.
Del Albright, chief of the Brownwood Fire Department, said Thursday’s ceremony was “bittersweet.”
“Obviously, we wish (the fall) hadn’t happened, but it’s very special to have his image chosen for this statue. The Rangers couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate model. Shannon was both a huge Rangers fan and a very dedicated father. I think this statue captures all of that,” he said.
City manager Bobby Rountree said the Rangers organization has exhibited the utmost professionalism in dealing with the situation.
“I know the family is so appreciative of all the Rangers have done. It tells you a lot about the kind of organization they are to go to such lengths in a tragedy like this,” Rountree said.
“And, talk about remembrance, this statue of Shannon and Cooper is going to be here forever,” he said.
Mayor Stephen Haynes said the accident forged a bond between the city of Brownwood and the Texas Rangers.
“People have seen the way the Rangers handled themselves during the whole situation, and I think they’ve respected that. There’s still tremendous interest in this story. There’s still tremendous interest in making sure Jenny and Cooper are taken care of,” Haynes said.
After official photos were made by the Rangers’ team photographer, and after the Rangers ballplayers had headed back to the locker room, Stone’s friends and family gathered around the statue and signed red balloons to be released.
Cooper used a thick Sharpie to write “Love Cooper,” on his balloon, and decorated it with a baseball, a bat, and flames in honor of his dad.
Sitting at the feet of the statue depicting him and his dad, Cooper wove the balloon’s string through his fathers bronze fingers. He led the countdown for all the others to release their balloons.
“They’ll float up to Heaven where Daddy can see them,” Jenny Stone told her son.
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