Full Breakdown
Texas Rangers Reintroduce "One Riot, One Ranger" Statue at Globe Life Field
3/2/2026, 10:46:16 PM
Background on the Statue's History
The "One Riot, One Ranger" statue, a 12-foot bronze sculpture, was originally installed at Dallas Love Field in 1961. It was created by artist Waldine Amanda Tauch and donated by restaurateur Earle Wyatt and his wife. The statue symbolizes the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency, which inspired the name of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club founded in 1971. However, the statue was removed in June 2020 amid heightened scrutiny over the Texas Rangers' historical ties to episodes of brutality and racism, particularly highlighted in Doug J. Swanson’s book, *Cult of Glory*. The removal occurred during a period of national reflection on racial justice, leading to its storage while discussions about its future took place.
Reinstallation at Globe Life Field
Recently, the Texas Rangers Baseball Club quietly reinstalled the statue at Globe Life Field, specifically on the left-field concourse, where it will greet fans entering through the north entrance. The decision to display the statue again has reignited discussions about how public spaces handle symbols with complex histories. The Texas Rangers Association Foundation, which had custody of the statue, initiated conversations with the club regarding its placement at the ballpark.
Official Statements & Responses
Russell Molina, a board member of the Texas Rangers Association Foundation, acknowledged the complicated history of the Texas Rangers and emphasized the importance of confronting it honestly. He defended the statue's reinstallation, stating that it is not solely modeled after a controversial figure, Jay Banks. Ray Davis, the team's majority owner, expressed hope that the display would honor law enforcement and first responders, noting that there were previous plans to showcase the statue in a now-defunct museum in Waco.
Criticism & Opposition
The reinstallation of the statue has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the statue represents a painful legacy tied to racial injustice and question the appropriateness of its display in a public space. The decision to place it in a prominent location at the ballpark has sparked renewed debate about how communities should engage with symbols that evoke complex historical narratives.
What's Next
As the statue becomes a focal point at Globe Life Field, further responses from community groups and officials are anticipated. The ongoing discussions surrounding the statue's presence may influence how similar historical symbols are treated in public spaces across Texas and beyond.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The club is proud to recognize the origins of our name and to honor the contributions of public safety professionals across Texas and beyond.” — Texas Rangers Baseball Club
- “Rangers and foundation defend the decision Russell Molina, a board member of the Texas Rangers Association Foundation, said the organization recognizes that the history of the Texas Rangers, like that of our state and nation, includes moments that must be confronted honestly, and he disputed that the statue is unequivocally modeled on Jay Banks.” — Russell Molina, Texas Rangers Association Foundation
