Texas Rangers fan killed in fall to get plaque

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers fan killed last month when he fell from the stands at Rangers Ballpark while reaching for a ball will be honored with a bronze statue at the stadium.

The Rangers announced Monday that the statue will depict Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone and his six-year-old son Cooper at a Rangers game. The statue likely will be in place for next season outside the park's home plate gate.

Rangers CEO and President Nolan Ryan said it's a fitting tribute to honour Stone, who fell as he reached for a foul ball tossed his way by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

Stone's wife, Jenny, said her family was "touched and grateful" and hoped the sculpture 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."

The Rangers announced in July plans to raise the height of all rails in front of the seating areas "to the highest standard in the United States at this time." Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said around that time that all major league teams are reviewing stadium safety, following Stone's death.

During the Home Run Derby on All-Star Weekend, a fan chasing a home run hit by Milwaukee's Prince Fielder was saved from a long fall when his brother and a friend grabbed him around the legs and arms, then pulled him back as he dangled above the deck area behind the pool in right field at Chase Field.