Southern Illinois University Saluki Athletics announced Saturday that a life-size bronze statue will soon be constructed at Itchy Jones Stadium to honor Hall of Fame baseball coach Richard “Itchy” Jones.
Longtime Saluki broadcaster Mike Reis shared the news during a Celebration of Life event, telling the crowd, “We’re happy to tell you that in due time, there will be an Itchy Jones statue here at Itchy Jones Stadium.”
The project is being led by University of Illinois head baseball coach Dan Hartleb, a former player and assistant under Jones. The statue will be created by the same artist who sculpted the Red Grange, Dick Butkus, and Jim Thorpe statues in Champaign.
Reis said the monument will pay tribute not only to Itchy Jones but also to his late wife, Sue. “Itch and his family wanted this to be his final resting place,” Reis told those in attendance, “That’s why this statue will stand here, at home, where his name, his family, and his players will always belong.”
Fundraising efforts for the statue are already underway, with more details on how the public can support the project expected to be announced soon.