Rangers unveil stature of fan that died at ballpark

The Rangers did something out of the ordinary. Perhaps you heard of Shannon Stone, who died last year at a Rangers game reaching for a ball. While it was more of a freak happenstance than anything, the Rangers did a pretty cool thing by putting up a statue for him.

ARLINGTON (AP) - Nine months after a Texas Rangers fan died after falling over an outfield railing at a game, his 7-year-old son helped unveil a statue Thursday honoring his father and others who love America’s pastime.

The life-size bronze statue depicts Shannon Stone and his son, Cooper, wearing baseball caps.

They are holding hands and looking at each other as if they’re talking. The inscription reads: In memory of Shannon Stone and dedicated to all fans who love the game.

“Today is a celebration of spirit, family and love of the game,” Rangers President Nolan Ryan said. “This bronze represents so many things that are good about baseball — competition, happiness, memories — and I think Shannon embodied what we as an organization hope for in our fans.”

Usually its a hall-of-fame baseball player being put in bronze outside of a ballpark, but its good for the Rangers to do this. They really didn't need to, I don't think anyone would be mad if they didn't put up a statue of the fan, so it just shows they wanted to go the extra step.