Standing at 8 feet and weighing in at 800 pounds, The Dell Diamond has welcomed the newest resident of The Sports Capital of Texas: former big leaguer Nolan Ryan in his bronze statue form.
The baseball legend and his son, Reese Ryan, unveiled the statue on Tuesday, November 1st. The statue, which previously lived in the middle of the legendary pitcher’s hometown of Alvin, now resides just outside the Dell Diamond, waiting to greet guests upon their arrival.
The addition of the statue isn’t the only new thing coming to Round Rock. The bronze statue brings along with it the Nolan Ryan Foundation. The foundation is working “to expand supporting youth, education and community development to Central Texas,” according to their website, and has already contributed $750,000 to the cause.
Mayor McGraw, in a statement about the Foundation’s move to Round Rock, expressed his excitement for its new home: “Round Rock is very excited to have the Nolan Ryan Foundation officially in Round Rock. Nolan and his entire family have been such an integral part of the City for so many years, and have literally helped shape the community. We are very thankful for their many contributions to our quality of life, and look forward to their continued involvement.”
“We’ve helped kids get scholarships who otherwise couldn’t afford college,” Ryan said, “Partnering with the Express will give us some unique opportunities in Central Texas, and it makes sense because I live here and can spend more time on it. Plus, the Express have been such a big part of my family’s life.”
Welcome to Round Rock, Mr. Ryan! We’ll see you on the field this season.
For more information on the new statue and the Nolan Ryan Foundation, read more here.
Photo credit: Community Impact