In 1954, Frank Vittor (who has an interesting story if you click his name)sculpted a famous baseball player, Honus Wagner, honoring his contributions to baseball.
The Honus Wagner statue stands at the Home Plate Entrance of PNC Park, Pittsburgh PA. The statue has been in Schenley Park, Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium from what I researched before it was relocated to PNC Park.
I posted a St. Joseph the Worker statue in Homestead which was also sculpted by Mr. Vittor
Here is just one side of the base of statue I photographed this evening, of two young boys pointing up to Mr. Wagner on the pedestal above.
They just spoke to me. Maybe it was the way the light made their three dimensions pronounced.
You’ve all heard how valuable the Honus Wagner baseball card is. (millions paid)
Here is what the back of the statue says
J.P. “HONUS”
WAGNER
(Back of base:)
ERECTED IN 1955
BY THE FANS OF AMERICA
IN HONOR OF A BASEBALL IMMORTAL
A CHAMPION AMONG CHAMPIONS
WHOSE RECORD ON AND OFF THE
PLAYING FIELD OF THE NATIONAL GAME
WILL EVER STAND AS A MONUMENT
TO HIS OWN GREATNESS
AND AS AN EXAMPLE AND INSPIRATION TO THE YOUTH
OF OUR COUNTRY
SPONSORED BY
THE PITTSBURGH PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
RELOCATED BY THE PITTSBURGH BASEBALL CLUB
FROM SCHENLEY PARK TO THREE RIVERS STADIUM
AND REDEDICATED JULY 21, 1972
SO THAT FUTURE PIRATE FANS WILL BE REMINDED OF HONUS WAGNER’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASEBALL IN PITTSBURGH.
I’ve been to the Rodin museum in Paris, it’s breath-taking. Love Rodin; I have a little Thinker replica in my garden.
Thanks Eva. I have been to the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia and there is a large thinker outside. I love that you have been to the one in Paris. Alas I have only been to the Paris Airport where I bought the most lovely dish towel and paid an arm and a leg! I wanted to thank you for clicking the like button on my blog, for your visits and comments. You know I am the worst on replying to every one but am trying to express gratitude for those who follow and say I appreciate you.
Thanks Ruth for you kind words. You should definitely go to Paris, it’s one of my favourite places.
The Honus Wagner statue and I go back many many years. That’s where we would meet my dad after a baseball game. I just met a friend of mine there yesterday for an open Pirate practice.
I was there shooting twins senior photos. I thought you were on the road
I think you’re right, Ruth. The lighting on the boys suggests that it’s emanating from the Wagner statue. Nicely done!
Fascinating & informative~
I am clueless about the game or its legends, but the statues are amazing Ruth! Thank you for the education 🙂
A fantastic image. I love how genuinely excited these stone boys look – what amazing sculptural talent.
Thank you for your kind words about my grandfather’s Honus Wagner piece. His legacy of fine art is a great Pittsburgh attribute.
Dave Williams
Thank you for your good words.