Cory Lidle Sculpture Rededicated At West Covina Sports Park
WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — City officials held a ceremony Saturday to rededicate a sculpture to former New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle at a sports park.
According to the West Covina Police Department, metal thieves attempted to destroy the bronze sculpture of the former baseball player during the early morning hours of Feb. 21 at Big League Dreams.
"The vandalism of the Cory Lidle sculpture was a deplorable act," said West Covina Mayor Steve Herfert, "Thanks to the hard work of many individuals, the sculpture has been repaired and will be a lasting tribute to Cory for all of the community to enjoy, and for the hope and dreams of every baseball player in our City."
The sculpture was the town's first sponsored public art project and gained national attention after the vandalism occurred, officers explained.
It was originally dedicated on Oct. 27, 2007 to coincide with the opening of the new sports park, placed on display in front of Big League Dreams.
Lidle, a West Covina resident and South Hills High School 1990 alumni, was killed in an airplane accident in 2006.
Don Hunt of San Antonio, Texas, created the nine-foot bronze sculpture; however, he passed away in 2011.
Officials explained Lesley Elwood of Elwood & Associates coordinated arrangements for repairs made to the sculpture.
Repairs were completed by Roger Green of Exclusive Welding, Mel Green-Structural Engineering, Sandy Decker of Decker Studios and Rosa Lowinger & Associates.
The Lidle family and those that helped to restore the sculpture attended the Saturday morning ceremony held at the park, located in the 2100 block of South Azusa Avenue.
The suspects accused of this crime have still not been located.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact police at (626) 939-8557.
RELATED:
Bronze Statue Honoring Late-MLB Player Cory Lidle Vandalized