Investigation Underway After Vandalism of Baseball Legends’ Murals in Miami
In a troubling incident that has shocked the community, police have launched an investigation following the vandalism of murals dedicated to baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso. These striking artworks, displayed along a fence in Miami’s Dorsey Park, pay tribute to iconic figures in baseball history, including Negro League teams that once played in this historic venue.
The vandalism was first noticed by a 7-year-old boy, who discovered Nazi symbols defacing the murals. This act of hatred prompted community leaders to hold a news conference to address the issue. Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, executive director of the City of Miami Black Police Precinct, emphasized the need for the community to confront the underlying hate that fuels such acts. “We need to uncover the hurt and the hatred that exists,” he stated. “Covering it up only allows it to perpetuate.”
In response to the vandalism, plywood has been placed over the affected murals of Robinson and Miñoso to protect them while the investigation unfolds. U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick condemned the act, describing it as a "vile act of hatred." She asserted the importance of recognizing it as a hate crime designed to instill fear and division within the community. “We will not be intimidated. We will respond with unity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the preservation of our history,” she affirmed.
Jackie Robinson made history in 1947 as the first Black player in Major League Baseball, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Minnie Miñoso followed as MLB’s first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox. The murals, which have graced Dorsey Park since 2011, serve as vital reminders of their legacy and the ongoing struggle for equality in sports and society.
As the investigation continues, police have yet to make any arrests related to this incident. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Miami Police Department for further details.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest updates. Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
