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TL1 Corpus Christi Hooks

Statue to be unveiled Friday night

June 29, 2005 - Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release


(CORPUS CHRISTI, TX) - The Corpus Christi Hooks will open the home portion of the second half of the Texas League season on Friday, July 1st, and as the gates open on Friday, there will be an unveiling of the statue "For The Love Of The Game" in front of the main entrance to Whataburger Field. The unveiling ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm.

Created by Seth Vandable, an artist based in Dallas, the massive bronze monument depicts a young minor league baseball player contemplating both the game and his future in it. The statue, 17-feet tall from head to toe and situated on a five-foot tall pedestal, is believed to be the largest bronze baseball player monument in the world, eclipsing the 14-foot tall "Mighty Casey" figure located at Pro Player Stadium in Miami.

Dr. Gustavo Valadez, Cultural Services Superintendent for the City of Corpus Christi, who headed up the selection process stated, "I was struck by the Michelangeloistic stance of the structure". He added, "It was a great experience and a real joy working with the artist throughout the process. Seth has been cooperative and collaborative throughout. I would rank Seth among the best Texas artists we have and we couldn't be happier having a Texan create this wonderful sculpture."

Vandable wanted to create a monument that would be viewed as a "must see" Texas landmark, but one that would also dove tail with the architectural design and feel of Whataburger Field, a stadium that was built on the site of old cotton warehouses that date back to the decade of the 1920's. To that end, the bronze player wears a period "cotton" uniform that honors the history of the area, and his stance is one that evokes the hard-working history of the region.

"Everything is bigger and better in Texas," said Hooks President J.J. Gottsch. "This sculpture definitely fits that mold. This is something that everyone in the area can be proud of, and on behalf of Ryan-Sanders Baseball I would like to thank the City of Corpus Christi for another great addition to this already magnificent ballpark."

Reid Ryan, CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, added "The city, the team and Whataburger have been committed to a first-class facility since day one; this sculpture is further evidence of that cause. I think you'll see a lot more people taking pictures in front of ballpark."

The City paid $150,000 to Vandable for the sculpture. Funding was provided by the 1.25 percent public art fund attached to the initial Whataburger Field construction costs. The sculpture belongs to the city, and is a part of the City of Corpus Christi's collection of public art. The sculpture was selected by citizens and art experts from the Corpus Christi community following an initial request for proposal to artists from across the nation.

Tom Gaylon, President and CEO of Corpus Christi's Convention and Visitor's Bureau, added "This massive statue will further enhance the image of Whataburger Field that is so important to Corpus Christi's tourism."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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